Apparatus and method for controlling a network-connected device in one peer network from an infrared device connected to another peer network using tcp/ip and infrared signals

A method for controlling a network-connected device in a second peer network from an infrared (IR) device connected to a first peer network, the method comprising steps of:

• initiating a command from the IR device to connect a first set-top box of the first peer network to a second set-top box of the second peer network, wherein the first set-top box and the second set-top box are connected by TCP/IP via a LAN and/or a WAN;
• attempting to authenticate and/or authorize the command from the IR device to the second set-top box;
• informing the IR device and/or the first set-top box in the first peer network an authorization or a denial of the command from the second set-top box;
• and
• if the authorization for the command is granted by the second set-top box:
• issuing or completing a control and/or a data transfer request from the IR device, wherein the control and/or the data transfer request is initially sent to the first set-top box which is configured to relay the control and/or the data transfer request to the second set-top box or a local device connected to the second set-top box in the second peer network;
• and
• if the data transfer request from the IR device is fulfilled by the second set-top box and/or the local device connected to the second set-top box:
• transmitting relevant data from the second set-top box and/or the local device connected to the second set-top box to the first set-top box;
• and
• performing an incoming packet header and/or packet payload content examination on the relevant data received by the first set-top box to route the relevant data intelligently and automatically to a “most-appropriate” electronic device connected to the first set-top box.