The design, development and characterization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based lateral single-pole-four-throw (SP4T) and single-pole-seven-throw (SP7T) switching networks are presented in this paper. Switches are fabricated using surface micromachining process on alumina substrate. SP4T and SP7T switches demonstrate measured average return loss of better than 22 dB and 12 dB, worst case average insertion loss of 0.3 dB and 5.89 dB at 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz, respectively. The average isolation is better than 22 dB up to 30 GHz. Switching networks are operational > 1 billion cycles even with 1 W of RF power. Maximum fabricated switch (SP7T) area is ~ 0.89 mm2 including bias lines and pads. © 2019 IEEE.