A method includes communicating at a translator device with first devices in a first network using a first protocol and with second devices in a second network using a second protocol. The method also includes receiving data messages at the translator device, where the data messages include first data messages communicated between devices using a common protocol and second data messages communicated between devices using different protocols. The method further includes communicating each first data message from the translator device, where each first data message is routed towards a destination using the common protocol associated with the first data message. In addition, the method includes, for each second data message, translating contents of the second data message at the translator device to generate a new data message compliant with another protocol and communicating the new data message from the translator device towards a destination over the first or second network.