Which VSAT capability refers to having multiple independent paths to improve reliability?

• A. Availability
• B. Diversity
• C. Multicast
• D. Low cost

Answer: (B)

Diversity means using multiple independent paths to boost reliability. In a VSAT system, you can implement diversity in several ways—spatial diversity with two ground antennas in different locations, polarization diversity with orthogonal polarizations, or even using different satellites or beams. Because radio channel fades are often uncorrelated between these paths, the probability that all paths experience deep fading at the same time is reduced. That means if one path degrades, another can carry the data, keeping the link up and improving overall availability.

Availability is about how often the link is usable over time, not specifically about having multiple independent paths. Multicast is about delivering the same data to multiple recipients, and low cost refers to price. These don’t capture the reliability gain from having independent propagation channels the way diversity does.