Abstract The implementation of two distinct low-cost distribuited control schemes is discussed. Intended for projects on the fields of industrial automation and energy management, both systems were developed using a modular system conceived and executed previously. This modular system was designed for stand-alone control applications. The text discusses how additional hardware and software have been designed in order to allow its utilization as the standard outstation on the distribuited environments implemented. The physical connections differ substantially from each other. One is a twisted pair where high data rates are possible. The second is the low-voltage power grid, where a power-line carrier technique is used to code information by means of FSK, where comparatively low data rates are imposed. The software enveloped to support communications through the network is designed in such way as to provide the user with similar facilities in both implementations.