Google Reduces the Terminals of Its Taara Project to a 13mm Silicon Chip
Google’s Taara project transmits internet signals via light beams over long distances. The terminals supporting this technology are now as small as a chip. The first terminals were the size of a traffic light.
Wireless Internet Without Fiber or Satellites
Taara is developed as an alternative to fiber optics, radio signals, and satellite connections. According to project leader Mahesh Krishnaswamy, fiber optics is still the standard for fast internet, but it’s not always practical due to high costs or lack of infrastructure. Taara brings change to this.
Taara’s LightBridges can transmit data up to 20 Gbps over 20 kilometers with invisible light beams. The new generation works with self-calibrating software, allowing researchers to achieve speeds of 10 Gbps over one kilometer. For now, fog, birds, or obstacles can still interrupt the signal.
Currently, Google is working on a Taara chip with thousands of light transmitters to further increase range and speed. Ultimately, the tech giant wants light signals to replace current radio signals to reduce pressure on 5G frequencies.
If the project succeeds and continues to evolve, and thus doesn’t meet the same demise as Google Stadia, Taara could completely change wireless internet.