Data Transfer and Communication in Radar Networks

摘要

This paper describes a robust architecture for the transfer and centralised storage of time stamped multi-sensor data of arbitrary types and sizes. This architecture is aimed specifically at networks using physical infrastructure (eg. copper and fibre). The idea to observe the environment with the aid of multiple sensors of different types has existed for many decades. However, advances in synchronisation, localisation and data networking technologies are enabling renewed interest in networked-centric sensing. Multistatic spatially distributed sensors offer many advantages over single sensor systems. More information can be extracted from a target and its environment increasing the systems sensitivity, detection, and classification abilities. Hence, there is a strong drive to improve and further develop the underlying technologies that make networks sensors realisable. One such supporting technology is the robust and reliable transfer of data between the network nodes and a central storage node. This paper proposes a communication architecture purposely adapted to the requirements of sensor networks. This architecture can efficiently transfer and store arbitrary data types from multiple nodes to a central storage node. First, the data transfer requirements are analysed. Then, a suitable and existing data transfer architecture is adapted and modified to suit the requirements of networked sensors.