In a frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) system, what occurs if narrowband interference affects one of the frequencies?

In a frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) system, if narrowband interference affects one of the frequencies, the system is designed to handle such scenarios effectively. The key feature of FHSS is its use of a sequence of rapidly changing frequencies (hopping) for transmission. This rapid frequency change allows the system to temporarily evade interference by shifting to another frequency that is not subject to the interference.

When one frequency is compromised by narrowband interference, the system can quickly hop to a different frequency as dictated by the hopping algorithm. This ensures that the data has the chance to be retransmitted successfully, as the system is able to continue communication over the other unaffected frequencies. This inherent resilience is a fundamental advantage of FHSS technology, making it robust against interference and capable of maintaining data integrity even in challenging conditions.

The other options do not accurately describe the operational characteristics of FHSS systems. Data loss is minimized through retransmission rather than being permanent. The system does not shut down in response to interference; instead, it adapts. Amplifying the signal is not a typical response to interference, especially in the context of FHSS, which relies on frequency variety to mitigate the effects of any single point of interference.