A Google spin-off, Aalyria Technologies, is making waves in the internet connectivity landscape with its innovative approach to delivering ultra-fast 100Gbps internet using optical lasers. Aalyria's technology, dubbed "Tightbeam," aims to provide high-speed internet connections across land, sea, air, and even to satellites, potentially revolutionizing global connectivity, especially in remote and challenging environments.

The Technology Behind Tightbeam

Tightbeam is a laser system designed to transmit data through the atmosphere at incredibly high speeds, starting at 100Gbps. Unlike traditional radio frequency communication, Tightbeam uses coherent light laser terminals to send and receive data. This technology is designed to operate effectively even in adverse atmospheric conditions that have historically hampered other optical communication systems. Aalyria emphasizes that its lasers can be used on the ground, despite changing atmospheric conditions, which can disrupt the beams. The company's current design targets distances of up to 75km for ground-to-ground connections and up to 150km for ground-to-air links.

Mountain and Maritime Tests

Aalyria recently announced successful tests of its Tightbeam system. In one test, Tightbeam sustained a 100Gbps connection for hours over a 65-kilometer stretch between two mountaintops in Northern California, despite challenging atmospheric conditions. Chris Taylor, Aalyria's CEO, stated that the ground-to-ground optical link had been operational for several weeks and continues to operate. The system is engineered for resilience, adapting to changing environmental factors like wind and visibility to maintain a reliable internet connection.

Aalyria also conducted virtual at-sea tests using a ship simulator at the Naval Research Laboratory in Chesapeake, Virginia. These tests replicated real-world maritime conditions, where two gimbals had to lock onto each other amidst unpredictable wave motions. Despite some short disruptions during the most stressful motion profiles, the system reacquired the signal within seconds and sustained throughput for most of the testing period. Impressed by the results, the Navy awarded Aalyria a $7 million contract in 2023 to further develop Tightbeam for naval use.

Comparison with Competitors

Aalyria faces competition from other companies in the high-speed internet sector, including SpaceX's Starlink. Starlink also uses lasers, but primarily for satellite-to-satellite communication, whereas Aalyria is focusing on ground, sea, and air applications. While Starlink's satellite-to-ground station speeds vary, they typically reach over 100 Mbps, Aalyria's Tightbeam aims for a significantly higher 100Gbps. Another Alphabet spin-off, Taara, is also working on high-speed broadband using technology from the Loon project. Taara's light bridge system offers speeds up to 20 Gbps over 20 km, while Aalyria focuses on higher capacity, long-range internet through lasers. Taylor argues that both high-capacity, long-range optical links like Aalyria's and lower capacity, more affordable links like Taara's are necessary to bring broadband to every user.

Potential Impact and Future Applications

Aalyria's technology has the potential to transform internet connectivity in several ways: * Remote and underserved areas: Tightbeam could provide high-speed internet access to remote areas where laying fiber optic cables is impractical or too expensive. * Maritime industry: By outfitting marine vessels with Tightbeam terminals, Aalyria aims to create a large mesh network that extends high-speed connectivity far into the open ocean without relying on satellites. This could enable real-time monitoring, enhanced safety, and better crew welfare on offshore vessels. * Aviation: Aalyria is also targeting air-to-ground and air-to-air communication, potentially improving in-flight internet access and enabling new applications for aircraft. * Space communications: While currently focused on terrestrial and maritime applications, Aalyria is increasingly applying its expertise to space-relevant scenarios.

Aalyria's innovative use of laser technology to deliver ultra-fast internet could bridge the digital divide and open up new possibilities for communication and data transfer across the globe. While challenges remain, the company's successful tests and strategic focus position it as a key player in the future of global connectivity.