System and method for interoperability between multiple networks

A network switch (200) interoperating between real time networks includes a plurality of ports (210a - 210e) and switch circuitry (205) coupled to the plurality of ports. At least one port, e.g., port (210e), is coupled to node operating in the first real time network, e.g., node (300) or real time network (350). Real time network (350) carries first traffic. The first traffic includes best effort traffic and first real time traffic. Additionally, additional ports, such as, port (210a), are configured to couple to a node of a second real time network, such as real time network (250). Real time network (250) carries second traffic and the second traffic includes only second real time traffic. Switch circuitry (205) is coupled to the ports (210a - 210e) and is configured with a mapping that specifies data routing between the ports. Thus, switch circuitry (205) is configured to route packets between a first real time network, such as real time network (350), and the one or more second real time networks, such as