A method and apparatus is provided for managing a plurality of devices in a federated network and a sub-network within the federated network. The devices in the sub-network may have a functional capability of performing a function associated with the federated network. For example, the federated network may include devices for providing data content such as media content and the sub-network may include devices for controlling the presentation of the data content. In addition, a constellation of devices is provided that may share data content such as media data. At least some of the devices in the constellation may form a sub-network.