In a subterranean well completion a bi-directional signal transmission
system includes an in-line acoustic transceiver mounted in a tubing
string extending through the wellbore, the transceiver being disposed
beneath a hanger structure engaging the tubing string. Via the tubing
string the transceiver receives acoustic signals from well parameter
sensing apparatus further downhole and converts the received acoustic
signals to non-acoustic signals. The resulting non-acoustic signals are
then transmitted upwardly through the hanger structure, to a signal
receiving location, via cabling. In this manner, the hanger structure
does not adversely affect the strength of either upwardly or downwardly
transmitted signals traversing it. Alternatively, the acoustic well
parameter signals received by the transceiver are converted to
electromagnetic signals which pass through the earth, are picked up by a
receiver external to the well completion, and then relayed to the
receiving location.