An apparatus and a method for controlling a network-connected device in one peer network from an infrared (IR) device connected to another peer network is disclosed. Regardless of underlying communication protocols used in peer networks, the IR device in a peer network can request a transfer of data or control to a networked device in another peer network. Communication compatibility among the two peer networks are maintained by utilizing a set-top box in each peer network configured to communicate with another set-top box using a transport control protocol (TCP), which may be different from underlying protocols (e.g. X.25, IrDA) between the set-top box and locally connected devices to the set-top box. The set-top box may utilize an intelligent routing scheme based on a packet header and/or payload content examination to route the transfer of data to a "most-appropriate" electronic device connected to the set-top box.