Patent ID: 7139218
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: E21B,G01V

Abstract:
1. A downhole network integrated into a drill string comprising a plurality of drill pipes, each of the plurality of pipes having electrically coupled inductive coils at its respective ends, the pipes being connected end-to-end and passing data packets by electromagnetic data communication through the coils; a bottom-hole node interfacing to a bottom-hole assembly located proximate a bottom end of the drill string; a top-hole node connected proximate a top end of the drill string; an intermediate node located along the drill string between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node, the intermediate node configured to receive and transmit the data packets transmitted between the bottom-hole node and the top-hole node; and a communications link, integrated in the drill string, operably connecting the bottom-hole node to the intermediate node, and the intermediate node to the top-hole node wherein timing of at least two of the nodes is synchronized.