A network management system includes an embedded node, having network database and communications elements, which is coupled locally on an ECHELON network. This local coupling provides a relatively high bandwidth connection to accommodate relatively high traffic volume between the network database and nodes for improved system performance relative to prior art configurations. Locally coupling the network database to the network eliminates the need to tunnel various messages needed to effect a network service when using a tiered architecture common in the HVAC industry. The communications elements include com ports adapted to couple the embedded node to a workstation via a conventional network, and to an ECHELON network.