Alphabet has introduced the Taara chip, a groundbreaking silicon photonic chip designed to deliver high-speed internet using light beams. This technology aims to provide low-cost connectivity in remote areas, improving upon the previous Project Loon initiative.
The Taara chip, approximately the size of a fingernail, significantly reduces the size compared to earlier systems. The first-generation technology, known as Taara Lightbridge, relied on a larger setup similar to a traffic light, utilizing mirrors and sensors to direct light. The new chip, however, employs software for control.
Taara operates under Alphabet’s X division, which focuses on innovative solutions. The technology was initially developed for Project Loon, which was discontinued in 2021. Taara has since been utilized to provide internet access across challenging terrains, including the Congo River and urban areas in Nairobi.
The technology transmits data at speeds reaching 20 gigabits per second over distances of up to 20 kilometers (12.1 miles). Unlike traditional fiber optics, Taara sends light beams through the air, requiring precise alignment between two units to establish a secure data link.
With the new chip, the need for mechanical components to steer light is eliminated. It features hundreds of tiny light emitters controlled by software, enhancing installation efficiency. The setup time for Taara’s light-beaming units is reduced to days, compared to the months or years required for fiber installation.
In laboratory tests, the Taara team successfully transmitted data at speeds of 10 Gbps over a distance of one kilometer (0.62 miles) using the new chips. Future iterations are expected to increase capacity and range, with plans for a version containing thousands of light emitters. The Taara chip is anticipated to be available by 2026.
For more information, visit the original article at Engadget.