Taara, a graduate of X, Google’s Moonshot Factory, has launched Lightbridge Pro, a wireless optical communications system aimed at carrier-grade and mission-critical network environments.
Lightbridge Pro builds on the company’s existing Taara Lightbridge platform, which uses narrow beams of light to transmit data between two points. The new system combines a 20 Gbps full-duplex optical link with integrated switching that enables automatic failover to fibre or radio frequency (RF) backup links.
According to Taara, the integrated switch allows hitless switchover when atmospheric conditions such as fog or heavy rain affect optical performance. In conventional deployments, external switching equipment can introduce delays of several seconds during failover events. By embedding the switching capability into the system, Lightbridge Pro is designed to maintain continuity for high-availability networks.
Taara said its Lightbridge technology is already deployed in more than 20 countries across urban, remote and disaster recovery scenarios. Operators including T-Mobile, Airtel, Digicel, Liquid Intelligent Technologies and SoftBank have used the system to extend or reinforce network capacity without laying fibre.
Lightbridge Pro is positioned for applications such as mobile backhaul, urban network densification, enterprise connectivity, data centre interconnect and public-sector infrastructure, including city-wide networks. The system includes in-band management and combined monitoring of optical and backup links via the integrated switch.
The platform also supports Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance and Security (FCAPS) management, with options for on-premise or cloud-based deployment. Integration with carrier Operations Support Systems (OSS) and Business Support Systems (BSS) is supported, enabling deployment within existing network architectures.
Taara said it will showcase Lightbridge Pro at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026 and plans to announce an additional photonics-based wireless optical system aimed at supporting higher-density and more distributed urban network deployments.
