FAQs
What is LMDS?
The term LMDS stands for Local Multipoint Distribution Service. LMDS uses licensed high frequency fixed microwave signals to transmit large amounts of voice, video, and data. LMDS is used to deliver broadband wireless service that relies on microwave radios to send large amounts of information between radios at very high speeds. LMDS operates in the 28GHz - 31GHz range (Specifically: 27.50GHz - 28.35GHz, 29.10Ghz - 29.25GHz, 30.00GHz & 31.075Ghz - 31.225GHz). More information can be found by reviewing the "What is LMDS?" section on this web site.
How does LMDS work?
Microwave radios designed to be used with LMDS are installed at two separate sites. Upon the completed installation the two radios can then transmit very large amounts of information bi-directionally between the two locations. When one end of the wireless access link is connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) end users can be served with carrier grade voice and data services. In addition, LMDS links can be positioned on multiple buildings in a campus environment to create a wide area network (WAN).
Why would I want to use LMDS?
One situation might occur with a large organization (e.g., a college, medical center or office park) that has buildings which are spread out in a campus environment. Often times, these types of campus settings have a substantial number of buildings and related road infrastructure that makes it cost prohibitive to install traditional fiber optic network facilities. LMDS radios can be installed on buildings throughout the campus enabling direct high speed communications.
Another example involves the construction of a new high-rise building. The building may not have access to any local fiber optic network for a variety of reason – in fact roughly 80% of the office buildings in the United States do not have direct access to a fiber optic network. In these types of situations LMDS based wireless links can be installed quickly and economically when compared to having to build a fiber optic network, while providing comparable services to those supported over a fiber optic based network.
In addition, LMDS based networks or links can be deployed to deliver network access diversity for critical networks. This example highlights the growing need for alternative deployment options to support continuity of operations requirements.
Where did LMDS originate?
In the 1999 – 2000 timeframe the FCC auctioned over 1 GHz of spectrum in the 28 – 31GHz range for licenses based on a defined market, or Business Trading Area (BTA). There were two discrete bands of LMDS spectrum made available for each defined BTA through this auction process. The winner of the auction for each of the available spectrum licenses is allowed to use the LMDS bands they control to deploy telecommunications services.
How can I obtain LMDS spectrum?
Click here to determine LMDS availability through the LMDSXchange™.
How fast is LMDS compared to other current technologies?
LMDS based services are extremely fast when compared to dial-up modems, cable modems, DSL, T-1 lines, Frame Relay, and ISDN communications. Below is a chart displaying the relationship between types of telecommunication access and the amount of data each type of access can support.
Source: lmdswireless.com
What is the potential for LMDS?
LMDS is a wireless communications medium with the potential to support an enormous amount of bandwidth. In addition, it can be rapidly deployed to provide service when compared to having to build a fiber network. These key features will allow LMDS to become even more popular and more widely used in the near future.
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