The present invention concerns application of a unique conductive
electrode geometry used to form an efficient wideband, one- or two-way
wireless data link between autonomous systems separated by some distance
along a bore hole drill string. One objective is the establishment of an
efficient, high bandwidth communication link between such separated
systems, using a unique electrode configuration that also aids in
maintaining a physically robust drill string. Insulated or floating
electrodes of various selected geometries provide a means for sustaining
or maintaining a modulated electric potential adapted for injecting
modulated electrical current into the surrounding sub-surface medium.
Such modulated current conveys information to the systems located along
the drill string by establishing a potential across a receiving insulated
or floating electrode.