local multipoint distribution service (LMDS)

Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) is a broadband wireless access service for the access area via which digital TV and other interactive services such as the Internet can be operated. LMDS technology was developed in the 1990s for digital TV.

LMDS wireless access technology operates in the microwave range between 20 GHz to 40 GHz. LMDS can be used to establish bi-directional point-to-multipoint links over which voice, data and digital TV can be transmitted. Downstreamdata rates are a maximum of 1.6 Gbit/s, while upstream rates are 200 Mbit/s. Since the propagation distances of microwaves are limited, LMDS is suitable for ranges of up to 5 km, which covers the last mile. However, line-of-sight( LOS) is a prerequisite for all connections. Several thousand subscribers can be connected to one base station.

There are two licenses, Block A and Block B, for three frequency bands. Block A operates in the frequency ranges from 27.5 GHz to 28.35 GHz, from 29.10 GHz to 29.25 GHz and from 31.075 GHz to 31.225 GHz. Block B in the frequency ranges from 31.00 GHz to 31.075 GHz and from 31.225 GHz to 31.300 GHz.

LMDS is used in the USA; the European alternative for broadband connection technologies is Broadband Radio Access Network( BRAN).