Following an earthquake, where telephone lines are down, aerials have collapsed, and internet access is impossible, an emergency team can, within minutes, deploy two devices the size of shoe boxes, align them precisely, and reinstate network connection via an invisible light beam. Communication is then restored.

This exemplifies one of the scenarios where laser internet demonstrates its full potential. It's a technology adept at transmitting data through concentrated light beams, negating the necessity for cables, masts, or complex physical infrastructure.

In emergency situations, where every second is critical, this type of connection can be the difference between complete isolation and the ability to coordinate rescues, transmit medical data, or simply call for assistance.

However, its applications extend considerably further: from linking rural communities to relaying information from satellites in orbit, laser internet is proving to be one of the most promising innovations in the evolution of telecommunications.

How This "Invisible Optical Fibre" Works

Laser internet, or Free Space Optics (FSO), is a technology that transmits data employing concentrated light beams, dispensing with the need for cables or conventional aerials. It functions as a sort of "invisible optical fibre": rather than sending information through a cable, as fibre does, it transmits it through the air, directly connecting two points—for instance, a mast and a building—with exceptionally high precision.

To grasp this better, picture two individuals in the dark, each holding a torch. If they both aim their beams directly at one another, they can see each other clearly without the light interfering with anyone else nearby. A similar principle applies to laser internet: a precise, directed, point-to-point connection is established, enabling data to be transmitted at high speed and with low latency. And given that these beams don't dissipate like radio waves, performance is significantly more efficient.

Unlike Wi-Fi or mobile networks, which can suffer from interference and necessitate costly infrastructure or licences for the radio spectrum, laser internet can be deployed rapidly, even in locales where laying cables is impractical. This renders it ideal for emergencies, remote areas, or even for enhancing connectivity between buildings in urban settings.

While this technology bears a resemblance to Li-Fi in its utilisation of light for data transmission, their applications diverge. Whereas Li-Fi transforms LED lamps into data transmitters for indoor use—akin to "light Wi-Fi"—laser internet projects concentrated beams to connect greater distances outdoors. In essence, if Li-Fi illuminates a room with data, laser internet fires a ray of information that travels directly from one point to another, like a digital torch connecting disparate locations.

From Laboratory to the Real World

Although it might sound like something from the future, laser internet has already seen implementation in various contexts with encouraging outcomes.

One particularly noteworthy instance is that of Alphabet (Google's parent company), which, through its Taara project, has been trialling high-speed laser connections in countries such as India, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In these regions, where laying optical fibre would be expensive or impractical due to the terrain, FSO links have managed to transmit data at speeds of up to 20 Gbps over distances of several kilometres, even across rivers and through jungles.

In the military and aerospace sectors, FSO technology is also gaining traction. Certain space agencies, such as NASA and ESA, have experimented with optical links between satellites and ground stations, facilitating faster and more secure transmissions than traditional radio frequency technologies.

Conversely, in densely populated cities like Los Angeles and Tokyo, some telecommunications companies have started to employ laser links as an alternative to enhance connectivity between buildings without the need for civil engineering works, capitalising on the height of towers or rooftops to establish high-speed networks between strategic nodes.

These examples illustrate that laser internet isn't merely a technological promise, but a tool already addressing real-world connectivity challenges in the present day.

Advantages and Limitations

Laser internet presents an innovative solution that merges several of the strengths of optical fibre with the adaptability of wireless networks.

Among its principal advantages are its high transmission speeds, comparable to fibre, alongside its low latency, which renders it ideal for applications sensitive to delay, such as video calls, live broadcasts, or real-time industrial processes.

In contrast to other technologies, it can be installed within hours without the need for cable laying, positioning it as a strategic option in environments where traditional solutions are unfeasible.

Furthermore, by transmitting data via directed light beams, it offers an additional layer of security against potential interception and can serve both as a primary route and as a backup in existing networks.

However, this technology also encounters limitations. As it relies on a direct line of sight between transmitter and receiver, its deployment can be restricted by physical obstructions or movement.

It is also susceptible to weather phenomena such as thick fog or heavy rain, which can impact the quality or continuity of the signal.

In certain environments, particularly urban or seismically active ones, maintaining precise alignment of equipment necessitates stable structures or automatic correction systems. And while under optimal conditions it can cover significant distances, its effective range varies depending on the type of laser employed and the characteristics of the atmospheric environment.

Cable-Free Connectivity, with a Vision for the Future

Although still in the adoption phase, laser internet is beginning to transition from its experimental status to establish itself as a strategic solution in the development of next-generation networks.

Its capacity to offer high-speed links without reliance on hefty infrastructure makes it an ideal choice in remote areas, emergency contexts, or locations where every second is paramount.

The telecommunications sector has already begun to make moves. According to a recent report from MarketsandMarkets, the information and communications technology domain currently leads the drive in the FSO market and is projected as the segment with the highest growth in the coming years.

Part of its appeal lies in its versatility: FSO systems can alleviate traffic on saturated fibre networks, expand transmission capacity, and act as highly reliable backup links in the event of physical disruptions.

Looking beyond the present, laser internet embodies a compelling vision: agile, clean connectivity that adapts to the rapid pace of the digital world. If the future of the network is built with light, there's little doubt that this still-emerging beam illuminates a promising trajectory.