Google is working on an innovative technology for wireless high-speed Internet transmission that uses light beams instead of traditional cables. The project, called Taara, involves the use of a special compact chip that can precisely direct and adjust light signals, ensuring efficient data transmission. According to Google, Taara can transmit data at speeds of up to 20 Gbps over distances of up to 20 km.
The latest breakthrough in Google’s Taara project is the development of a silicon photonic chip that significantly scales down the technology. This fingernail-sized chip combines most of the functionality previously housed in equipment the size of a traffic light. The new chip uses an optical phased array to electronically control light beams, eliminating the need for mechanical components and complex mirror systems.
This miniaturization is a significant leap forward in making Taara technology more practical and scalable. The chip’s compact size simplifies installation and potentially wider deployment, while its advanced software-based beam steering improves accuracy and reliability. In tests, two Taara chips successfully transmitted data at 10Gbps over distances of up to 1 kilometer, marking a major milestone in high-bandwidth outdoor data transmission using silicon photonics technology.
The technology operates in the electromagnetic spectrum between infrared and visible light, using an invisible narrow beam of light to transmit data.
Taara is currently working on an iteration with thousands of light emitters, which could significantly increase the chip’s capacity and range. The Taara chip is expected to be available in 2026, a significant step towards real-world applications. But despite the potential for rapid deployment, widespread adoption is likely to be slow, and it could be years before the technology becomes readily available to everyday consumers.
Unlike satellite solutions like Starlink, which use lasers in space, this system transmits data over the Earth's surface. The main technical challenge is maintaining a stable connection between the "light bridges" and overcoming natural obstacles, including fog, rain, and moving objects.
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