Which communication Electronic Protection (EP) spreads the transmitted intelligence over a very wide frequency band?

The choice of Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum as the correct answer is due to its method of spreading the transmitted signal across a broad frequency range. In Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), the original data signal is multiplied by a pseudo-random noise signal (also known as a spreading code), which effectively spreads the data across a wider band of frequencies. This technique increases resistance to interference and eavesdropping since the signal is much harder to detect and intercept without knowledge of the spreading code.

DSSS allows for multiple users to share the same frequency band by assigning different spreading codes, enabling a more efficient use of the available spectrum while ensuring greater security through its diffuse nature. This is particularly useful in military applications where maintaining the integrity and security of communications is paramount.

In contrast, methods like frequency hopping change the carrier frequency at regular intervals but do not inherently spread the signal over a wide band in the same manner as DSSS. Frequency agility and null-steering have their specific functions within electronic warfare and communications, but they do not provide the same wide band spreading characteristic as Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum.