What is one reason for using frequency hopping in communication systems?

Frequency hopping is primarily employed in communication systems to enhance security against interception. By rapidly switching the transmission frequency over a defined range, it makes it significantly more difficult for unauthorized parties to intercept and decode the communication. This technique disrupts potential eavesdroppers because they would have to know the specific sequence and timing of the frequency changes in order to effectively listen in on the conversation.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of frequency hopping. For instance, while it may have some secondary effects on transmission costs or operational complexity, reducing costs is not a direct goal of this technique. Similarly, frequency hopping is not intended to allow longer message lengths; rather, it focuses on maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the communication. Lastly, although frequency hopping might influence setup complexity, the primary aim is to bolster security rather than simplify equipment configuration.