Spam bombs

Spam bombs are signals used to block enemy communications, irritate enemies, or to overload their systems and damage their computers. New spam defense nets are being invented; however, this makes it hard for anyone to receive a distress call.

Spam bombs are a growing problem for all factions. Statistics show that in 20 years, distress calls might not even matter anymore.

Technology and Effectiveness
Spam bombs can be as simple as an overcharged subspace communications array, or as complex as a subatomic soup used to generate subatomic energy to charge exotic atoms and expand energy capacities of special subspace "bounce" relays.

The simplest way to use a spam bomb is to overcharge a cheap communications array and send messages as quickly as possible, this won't really do any damage, but you will bug people. If you have a more complex communications system, you can do the same thing and jam some weaker communications.

The most complex and effective way is costly. Six ships with advanced communications relays are used to create a cube around a subspace pocket containing several subspace-proof "bounce" relays. Depending on the distance between the ships and the person that is being spammed, a subspace message receiver with sufficient capacity must be placed. The subspace message receiver will probably be larger than a Scimitar. If one has the funds, buying several and using them allows ultra spamming of multiple targets. The six ships must devote all power (except life support) to the communications arrays. Once a large message is created, it is sent to the "bounce" relays, where the message is copied millions of times. Once they start reaching maximum capacity, they are set to send the messages to the message receiver(s). Once the message receiver(s) receive the messages, they will automatically transmit these "bounce" messages to their target(s). The six ships could continue until they run out of power. This effective way usually shuts down thousands of computers, including IQGM computers if the message is directed that way. This effective way is also extremely costly, and requires enormous funds of over a trillion energy credits (535 billion GPL bricks). Once the funds are received, it takes three or four months to craft the "bounce" relays. The message receiver takes a month, and the specialized communications arrays (each) take 3 days.

Problems
Spam bombs create a problem; the more they are used, the more that factions create new anti-spam measures. Anti-spam measures could block distress calls and important hails. Flood control anti-spam measures have been used, however, new technology has been able to deliver a small message that copies itself very quickly, negating flood control. Some flood control options block any received spam messages from outside the ship or station. The problem with that is that one can create a small outer message, as a Trojan horse, then allow it to spam as if it were from inside the ship or station.