An adapter for a wired drill pipe joint includes an annular adapter body having a first end and a second end, an annular recess extending partially into the first end of the adapter body, a communication element disposed at least partially within the annular recess, wherein the second end of the adapter body is configured to releasably couple to an end portion of a first wired drill pipe joint, wherein the annular adapter body includes an arcuate key that is configured to restrict relative rotation of the adapter body with respect to the first wired drill pipe joint, wherein the annular adapter body and the communication element form a shoulder configured for engagement with a corresponding shoulder of a second wired drill pipe joint to form a rotary shouldered threaded connection between the first wired drill pipe joint and the second wired drill pipe joint.