the intelliserv network is a broadband telemetry system that allows instant transmission of data between the surface and the measurement tools positioned in the drill string bottomhole assembly near the drill bit. the invention of intelliserv technology began in 1997 with a project on hydraulic mud hammers sponsored by the company novatek and the united states department of energy. the project addressed the need for instant transmission of downhole data (data acquired within the wellhole) through drill pipe, leading to novatek’s beginning on a networked drill pipe development project. in 2001, the national energy technology laboratory (netl) began providing funding for the drill pipe project and an additional drill pipe data transmission project.