What is a notable difference between INMARSAT-B and INMARSAT-C antennas?

The distinction between INMARSAT-B and INMARSAT-C antennas is based primarily on their design and functionality, which aligns with the answer provided. INMARSAT-C antennas are characterized by their smaller size and are typically omni-directional, meaning they can receive signals from any direction without needing to be pointed towards the satellite. This feature is advantageous for mobile and portable applications, where ease of use and installation are important.

On the other hand, INMARSAT-B antennas are designed to be larger and directional. These antennas must be oriented towards the satellite to achieve an optimal signal, which is more typical for systems that require higher bandwidth and reliability for voice and data transmission. The larger size of the INMARSAT-B antennas allows for the necessary gain and directionality to maintain stronger signals for the more demanding applications they support.

Understanding these characteristics helps in recognizing the operational contexts for each system and why one might be selected over the other depending on the specific communication requirements.