How many antennas are needed for secondary means of IP services?

The correct answer to how many antennas are needed for secondary means of IP services is two. In maritime operations, particularly on vessels like the Tripoli, the installation of communication systems must consider redundancy and reliability. Secondary means of IP services typically refer to backup communication systems that ensure continuity in data transmission in the event of a primary system failure.

The requirement for two antennas allows for a level of operational flexibility and fail-safety. With two antennas, one can serve as a primary while the second acts as a backup. This configuration not only helps in maintaining consistent connectivity but also allows for spatial diversity, which can enhance performance by minimizing interference and optimizing signal reception.

In contrast, having three, four, or five antennas would generally exceed operational needs and complicate the system without providing proportional benefits, especially in the context of redundancy for IP services. A simple dual-antenna setup strikes an effective balance between reliability and resource management on a vessel.