Systems and methods for supporting multiple time synchronization protocols within an industrial device include obtaining a time reference from each industrial device within the first set of industrial devices and the second set of industrial devices. The time reference provides the basis for synchronization of the clock and other clocks of first set of industrial devices and the second set of industrial devices. A principal time reference is selected from among the time references. Once selected, the principal time reference is correlated with each of the time references obtained from the first set of industrial devices and the second set of industrial devices. With the principal time reference correlated, related communication with the second device may be controlled.