Distributed Bayesian Detection: Other Network Topologies

Bayesian hypothesis testing for the parallel fusion network was discussed extensively in Chapter 3. This chapter considers the problem of Bayesian hypothesis testing for several other network topologies. In Section 4.2, we consider the serial or tandem network, a widely studied network topology. System design methodology is developed and its performance is compared with that of the parallel network. Interesting issues, such as sequencing and placement of detectors, are also discussed. A brief discussion on tree networks is presented in Section 4.3. In Section 4.4, distributed detection networks with feedback are treated. In this class of networks, information flows both downstream as well as upstream, i.e., toward the fusion center and away from it. Feedback is shown to improve system performance. An important issue for this configuration is its data transmission requirement. Two protocols are presented that reduce this requirement. Finally, a unified methodology is presented to represent any decentralized detection network structure. Decision rules are also obtained. This methodology is applicable to detection networks that include memory as well as feedback.