Effects of coupling strength and network topology on signal detection in small-world neuronal networks

We study the effects of different coupling strengths and network topologies on signal detection in small-world neuronal networks. Research has previously revealed that the ability of detecting subthreshold signals could be significantly enhanced by appropriately fine-tuning the noise intensity. Here we show that the coupling strength and the structure of the underlying network can also lead toward enhanced signal detection. In particular, we show that there are two levels of the coupling strength at which the subthreshold signal can be detected at an appropriate noise intensity and network structure. We also show that the network structure has little impact on signal detection if the coupling is weak. On the other hand, for intermediate coupling strengths, we show that the shorter the average path length, the better the signal detection. Finally, if the coupling is strong, we show that there exists an intermediate average path length at which signal detection becomes optimal.