A network switching device (100, 200, 300) adapted to be embedded in a device for managing communication of real-time control data in a motor drive application, the network switching device comprising: a controller; a first port in communication with the controller and configured to be connected to an industrial network; a second port in communication with the controller and configured to be connected to at least one control device for real-time communication of control data; a third port in communication with the controller and configured to be connected to the industrial network; and a fourth port in communication with the controller and configured to be connected to a network interface of the device within which the network switching device is adapted to be embedded, wherein the controller is operative to receive data formatted in one of a plurality of data protocols at any one of the first, second, third, and fourth ports, to identify one of the plurality of different data protocols in which the data is sent, and to both prioritize data transmission and determine another of the first, second, third, and fourth ports to which the data is to be transferred as a function of the data protocol in which the data was received, wherein a first data protocol identifies a first set of data requiring deterministic communications and the controller is further operative to transfer data received in the first data protocol to one of the second port and the fourth port, and wherein a second data protocol identifies a second set of data not requiring deterministic communications and the controller is further operative to transfer data received in the second data protocol to one of the first port, the third port, and the fourth port. a controller; a first port in communication with the controller and configured to be connected to an industrial network; a second port in communication with the controller and configured to be connected to at least one control device for real-time communication of control data; a third port in communication with the controller and configured to be connected to the industrial network; and a fourth port in communication with the controller and configured to be connected to a network interface of the device within which the network switching device is adapted to be embedded, wherein the controller is operative to receive data formatted in one of a plurality of data protocols at any one of the first, second, third, and fourth ports, to identify one of the plurality of different data protocols in which the data is sent, and to both prioritize data transmission and determine another of the first, second, third, and fourth ports to which the data is to be transferred as a function of the data protocol in which the data was received, wherein a first data protocol identifies a first set of data requiring deterministic communications and the controller is further operative to transfer data received in the first data protocol to one of the second port and the fourth port, and wherein a second data protocol identifies a second set of data not requiring deterministic communications and the controller is further operative to transfer data received in the second data protocol to one of the first port, the third port, and the fourth port.