Fast random rewiring and strong connectivity impair subthreshold signal detection in excitable networks

We study dynamical responses in locally paced networks consisting of diffusively coupled excitable units with dynamically adjusted connectivity. It is shown that for weak subthreshold pacing, excessive or strong connectivity impairs the reliable response of a network to the stimulus. Fast random dynamic rewiring of the network also acts detrimentally on signal detection by enforcing a faster relaxation upon the paced unit. Our results indicate that efficient signal processing on excitable complex networks requires tight correspondence between the dynamics of connectivity and the dynamical processes taking place on the network. This, in turn, suggests the existence of 'function-follows-form' principles for systems described within this framework.