Slow internet speeds are a common frustration, but Google’s Taara chip offers a groundbreaking solution, potentially bringing high-speed internet to underserved areas with speeds reaching 20Gbps. After years of development, the team behind Taara has unveiled the next generation of this innovative technology.
Taara is a silicon photonic chip, meaning it transmits data wirelessly using light beams. While the initial version faced limitations due to the complex hardware required for beam steering, the new Taara chip leverages advanced software for this purpose. This simplifies the setup significantly and expands its potential applications.
Furthermore, the original Taara Lightbridge project was the size of a traffic light. While seemingly small from afar, its bulkiness posed practical challenges. The second-generation Taara chip shrinks this footprint down to the size of a fingernail, making it significantly more adaptable and easier to deploy.
Undersea internet cable map.This map illustrates how undersea cables form the foundation of the internet. The technology behind Taara offers a new way to connect, bypassing the need for extensive physical infrastructure.
Taara harnesses the near-infinite bandwidth within the electromagnetic spectrum by using light as its transmission medium. Specifically, it operates in the spectrum between infrared and visible light, transmitting data via a narrow, invisible light beam. This allows for speeds of up to 20Gbps over distances of up to 20km.
Unlike the lengthy process of installing fiber optic cables, Taara can be deployed in a matter of hours. This rapid deployment capability significantly reduces the time and resources required to establish internet connectivity, especially in remote or challenging terrains.
While Taara is slated for availability in 2026, widespread consumer adoption will likely take time. Although the installation process is quick, integrating this new technology into existing infrastructure and consumer markets will require further development and partnerships. This breakthrough, however, marks a significant stride toward bridging the digital divide and connecting communities previously beyond the reach of traditional internet infrastructure.
