Abstract: Described herein are different distributed sensor network models, use cases, and details of the components of each model to achieve the goal of monitoring, detecting, tracking, and mitigating a target(s) such as a signal, an object, a phenomenon, etc. An independent sensor or a local sensor network may supply data to one or more fusion center(s) that collect(s) data and perform(s) higher logic to enhance system performance. A local sensor network allows independent sensors or other local sensor networks to merge into the local sensor network. A sensor cloud can be formed by multiple local sensor networks and independent sensors. By using different distribution models, the local sensor network can provide protection for various targets like Very Important Personnel (VIP) vehicles, lands, facilities, and cities.