Site diversity against rain fading in LMDS systems

Local Multipoint Distribution Services (LMDS) system is a fixed cellular radio based point-to-multipoint technology in the microwave band providing broadband services. These systems need very accurate network planning method because of the variable carrier-to-interference ratio (C/I) in the whole service area and high sensitivity for meteorological phenomena especially for precipitation. The effects of a moving rain cell over an LMDS system was analyzed and site diversity as one possible countermeasure technique is demonstrated. The location dependent C/I in the LMDS service area under rainy conditions with and without site diversity technique was calculated applying a rain shower profile.