Alphabet introduces Taara chip for high-speed internet via light beams

Taara operates under X, Alphabet's innovation division, and builds upon the wireless optical link technology developed in Project Loon

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has introduced a revolutionary optical wireless communication technology with the launch of the Taara chip. This small, fingernail-sized silicon photonic chip uses light beams to provide high-speed internet, with the potential to drastically lower costs and speed up deployment in hard-to-reach areas. Taara’s innovation was announced by Mahesh Krishnaswamy, General Manager of Taara, and is set to redefine internet connectivity, particularly in rural and remote locations.

The Taara chip is an advanced version of Alphabet’s Lightbridge technology, which previously relied on mirrors and sensors to direct light beams for data transmission. In contrast, the new chip utilizes software to steer beams automatically, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components. This makes the technology more compact, efficient, and easy to deploy.

Breaking barriers with Taara

Taara operates under X, Alphabet's innovation division, and builds upon the wireless optical link technology developed in Project Loon. While Project Loon, which aimed to provide internet via high-altitude balloons, was shut down in 2021, Taara has continued its development of light-based broadband solutions. The technology has already been successfully used to beam internet across the Congo River and in urban centers such as Nairobi.

The Taara system transmits data at speeds of up to 20 Gbps over distances as far as 20 kilometers (12.1 miles) using narrow, invisible light beams. While similar to fiber-optic technology, it eliminates the need for physical cables and infrastructure, making it ideal for areas where traditional fiber installations are costly or impractical. Unlike fiber networks, which take months or even years to set up, Taara units can be installed in just a few days, offering a quick and cost-effective alternative.

Early testing in the lab showed data transmission at 10 Gbps over one kilometer using two Taara chips. Alphabet engineers are now working on enhancing the chip’s range and capacity by scaling up its light emitters. The commercial version of the Taara chip is expected to be available by 2026, promising to be a game-changer for internet access, especially in underserved regions.