Abstract: A data communication method and apparatus is presented that allows communication in a distributed heterogeneous network. Communications managers reside in local processing environments and are responsible for interfacing local end users with the remainder of the heterogeneous network. Each communications manager receives distribution units from end users, the distribution units being assigned various priority levels and levels of assurance. Within each communications manager, an adjacent communications manager is determined in accordance with a communications path to a destination for the distribution unit. The distribution unit is then configured according to a network protocol stack existing between the communications manager and the adjacent communications manager, and the distribution units are transmitted according to priority. Each communications manager can have any number of adjacent communications managers each communicating through different network protocol stacks.