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Hot Topics In The Mobile Computing Industry
LMDS
& MMDS
LMDS (local multipoint
distribution services) is a new type of stationary (fixed) broadband wireless
access technology designed for a mass subscriber marketplace. Based on millimeter
microwave frequencies - 24GHz and above - LMDS now offers a potential for cheaper
in-building bandwidth than newly installed fiber or copper. In fact, it's the microwave
technology that could make wireless data for the enterprise both cheap and
ubiquitous. While several vendors are offering products today, this technology is
still in early development stages.
"In MobileInfo's assessment, the
enduser organizations will have to wait for 1-2 years in order to use this technology for production
level enterprise-wide public-shared networks. Remember, it will take a while for NSPs &
ISPs to have a wireless infrastructure for widespread public service offering. Of course,
you can install internal Intranet solutions using LMDS now." - Editor
(in 2000)."
Please click here for
a technical overview of LMDS/MMDS topics.
Go
to CyberStream site for an example of MMDS and LMDS products available
today.
MMDS (Multi-channel
Multipoint Distribution Service) is a new technology for wireless access -
particularly useful for the Internet. With MMDS, a transmitting tower placed at a high
elevation can reach customers within a 35-mile radius who have receiving dishes on the
side or roof of the building. NSPs such as Sprint & MCI WorldCom consider MMDS a
technology they can use to reach local customers without negotiating access agreements
with regional Bell operating companies (RBOCs). MMDS is ready to take off. LMDS, in
contrast to MMDS, covers a smaller radius and is more expensive to deploy. "We
think MMDS will take off first, then LMDS for both economic and technology reasons -
Editor.
A schematic of MMDS
solution - courtesy CyberStream
/Who is Offering LMDS and MMDS
Service in North America (Mid 2001)
In Europe, it has advanced much
further. In North America, take up of MMDS/LMDS to replace
conventional fixed line infrastructure has been extremely
slow. The reason is availability of inexpensive, high-capacity
and extremely reliable infrastructure. Another factor is
regulatory process. Wireless-based MMDS/LMDS can not easily compete
with current fixed line infrastructure on a broad scale. We
expect only limited deployment where it makes business sense.
Short-term outlook for MMDS and
LMDS appears disappointing. Long term is still bright -
MobileInfo.Com.
- MMDS - Sprint and WorldCom
- LMDS - XO
Communications, WinStar
Communications
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