June 2000 Technology Update: Computers 6/e

MMDS and LMDS: Bringing Broadband Service to the Doorstep Wireless technologies multichannel multipoint distribution service (MMDS) and local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) provide for network access at fiber optic-level speeds. MMDS is a line-of-sight wireless broadband technology for Internet access. Each MMDS channel can reach transfer rates as high as 1Gbps. LMDS is a fixed line-of-sight wireless technology that offers coverage over distances up to 3-5 kilometers. It can deliver data and telephony services to 80,000 customers from a single node. Data transfer rates for LMDS can reach 1.5 Gbps to 2 Gbps. Industry forecasters have predicted that MMDS will provide Internet services for 70 percent of the residential and small office market within 5 years. ISPs are very interested in MMDS because it can offer high-speed Internet service within a 35-mile radius with minimal investment in equipment. LMDS will mainly provide broadband service to businesses.