yes, the mx980 is not a network based remote.   only the mx5000, mx6000, KP4000, and the MXiOS app can send IP commands.   You don't even need the MRX1/2 to do IP commands with those remotes. (except for the MXiOS)

It will never be possible to do what you want to do with the MX980 and MRX1/2.  They would have to build a new basestation similar to the MSC400, but give it network capability.

I don't see them doing that any time soon though, since Total Control seems to be getting the majority of attention.