information across joints where a pin end 12 connects to a box end 14 in selected embodiments a transmission element 24 a may be mounted proximate a mating surface 18 or shoulder 18 on a pin end 12 to communicate information to another transmission element 24 b located on a mating surface 22 or shoulder 22 of the box end 14 cables 27 a 27 b or other transmission medium 27 may be operably connected to the transmission elements 24 a 24 b to transmit information therefrom along components 10 a 10 b in certain embodiments a recess may be provided in the secondary shoulder 18 of the pin end 12 and in the secondary shoulder 22 of the box end 14 to house each of the transmission elements 24 a 24 b the transmission elements 24 a 24 b may have an annular shape and be mounted around the radius of the drill pipe 10 since a secondary shoulder 18 may contact or come very close to a secondary shoulder 22 of a box end 14 a transmission element 24 a may sit substantially flush with a secondary shoulder 18 on a pin end 12 likewise a transmission element 24 b may sit substantially flush with a surface of a.