Review and Analysis of Local Multipoint Distribution System (LMDS) to Deliver Voice, Data, Internet, and Video Services

TL;DR

This paper reviews LMDS technology, highlighting its architecture, capabilities, and limitations for delivering voice, data, internet, and video services over fixed wireless links within a 1.5 to 5-mile radius.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of LMDS technology, including its architecture, modulation methods, capacity, and deployment constraints, offering insights into its potential and limitations.

Findings

LMDS can deliver data rates from 64kbps to 155Mbps.

Effective range is typically up to 1.5 miles due to rain fading.

LMDS supports scalable, industry-standard architectures for service expansion.

Abstract

Local multipoint distribution system (LMDS) uses cellular-like network architecture of microwave radios placed at the client's location and at the company's base station to deliver fixed services, mainly telephony, video and Internet access. The use of time-division multiple access (TDMA) and FDMA (frequency DMA) technology allows multiple customers within a 3-5 mile coverage radius to share the same radio channel. Customers can receive data rates between 64kbps to 155Mbps. LMDS was conceived as a broadband, fixed wireless, point-to-multipoint technology for utilization in the last mile. Throughput capacity and reliable distance of the link depends on common radio link constraints and the modulation method used - either phase-shift keying or amplitude modulation. In general deployment links of up to 5 miles (8 km) from the base station are possible, but distance is typically limited to about 1.5 miles due to rain fading attenuation constraints. Point-to-point systems are also capable of using the LMDS frequencies and can reach slightly farther distances due to increased antenna gain.LMDS uses a scalable architecture combined with industry standards to ensure service can be expanded as customer demand increases.