Multiple communications protocol routing in advanced metering infrastructure context

A communication device comprising:

• a data input port in communication with a wide area network (WAN) and configured to receive an outgoing data packet from the WAN;
• a first data output port in communication with a first outward device connected to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system;
• a second data output port in communication with a second outward device connected to a Utility Automation (UA) system;
• a processor in communication with the data input port, the first data output port, and the second data output port, the processor configured to execute processor-executable instructions to control operation of the communication device;
• and
• a memory in communication with the processor and configured to store processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor:
• to control operation of the communication device to receive the outgoing data packet in the communication device,
• to determine whether the received outgoing data packet is formatted according to a first protocol employed by the AMI system or a second protocol employed by the UA system,
• based on the determination, to forward the received outgoing data packet to the first data output port if it is determined that the received outgoing data packet is formatted according to the first protocol employed by the AMI system, and
• based on the determination, to forward the received outgoing data packet to the second data output port if it is determined that the received outgoing data packet is formatted according to the second protocol employed by the UA system,
• wherein the first and second outward devices are positioned at system endpoints or between system endpoints and the communication device.