Google X has introduced the Taara chip, a revolutionary silicon photonics device that enables high-speed internet transmission using light beams. This fingernail-sized chip aims to provide fiber-like connectivity without cables, making it ideal for regions where traditional fiber-optic infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
Taara Chip: High-speed internet without wires
Google’s Taara chip can transmit data at speeds of 10 Gbps over a one-kilometer outdoor distance, according to initial field tests. The technology is expected to create a global mesh network, offering seamless, interference-free connectivity. This breakthrough can help bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet in remote and underserved areas.
How does Taara’s light-based internet work?
Instead of relying on radio frequencies or physical fiber-optic cables, the Taara chip transmits encoded data through light beams between two points. This minimizes signal interference and reduces infrastructure costs. Mahesh Krishnaswamy, General Manager of Taara, explained that this technology is designed to make high-speed internet more accessible and affordable.
Faster deployment and scalability
Unlike traditional fiber-optic networks, which require extensive underground installation, the Taara system can be deployed in hours. Since it follows the same principle as fiber optics but without physical cables, it offers a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative for:
- Rural and underserved areas
- Data centers
- Autonomous vehicle communication
Taara chip vs. Lightbridge: What’s new?
Google X’s Taara chip is an evolution of the Taara Lightbridge system, which could transmit 20 Gbps over 20 kilometers. The new chip is smaller, more efficient, and designed for broader applications. Reports suggest that Google X plans to launch a commercial version by 2026, with researchers invited to explore its potential uses in global connectivity.
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