An apparatus for connecting a field device to a communication system includes a field device interface for connecting the apparatus to the field device, a communication interface for connecting the apparatus to the communication system, a protocol conversion unit, and a switching unit. The switching unit is configured to recognize a protocol used by the field device and to establish a connection between the field device and the communication interface via the protocol conversion unit depending on the recognized protocol. Further, a method of connecting a field device to a communication system includes recognizing a protocol used by the connected field device, performing a protocol conversion depending on the recognized protocol, and establishing a connection between the connected field device and the communication system.