Asked cgpt to compare lasers to microwave for data transmission; take with a grain of salt, but seems transfer rate especially isn’t comparable.

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🔄 Comparison: Laser vs Microwave Data Transmission

📋 Comparison Table

Feature	Laser Transmission (e.g., Taara)	Microwave Transmission
Medium	Free-space optical (light, like a fiber-optic cable without fiber)	Radio/microwave frequencies (GHz range)
Wavelength	~780–1600 nm (near-infrared)	~1–100 GHz
Typical Data Rate	10–100 Gbps (Taara targets ~20 Gbps and higher)	100 Mbps – 1 Gbps (modern line-of-sight microwave)
Max Practical Range	~10–20 km, highly sensitive to weather	~30–50 km, more tolerant of weather
Line-of-Sight Requirement	Yes, with tight beam alignment needed	Yes, but more forgiving alignment
Weather Sensitivity	High — fog, rain, dust degrade performance	Moderate — heavy rain can attenuate signal
Latency	Low	Low
Power Usage	Lower power for same data rate	Slightly higher power use
Security	High — narrow beam, hard to intercept	Moderate — wider beam, easier to jam or intercept
Deployment	Harder — requires precision mounting and stability	Easier — flexible mounting, ruggedized equipment
Cost	Higher upfront (optical gear, alignment systems)	Lower per-unit, mature market
Use Cases	High-throughput backhaul (rural, terrain-constrained areas)	Medium-throughput links, often as telco backbone

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📌 Key Insights

• Bandwidth: Lasers have a much higher data capacity, similar to fiber optics. Microwave is far more limited in throughput.
• Range: Microwave wins in raw distance, particularly in less-than-ideal weather. Lasers struggle with any visibility obstruction.
• Stability: Lasers require precision alignment and environmental stability (wind, vibration can disrupt link). Microwaves are more forgiving.
• Security: Lasers are harder to intercept due to their tight beams. Microwaves, being broader, are more vulnerable to eavesdropping and interference.

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🧠 When to Use What

Use Laser Links (e.g., Taara) when:

• You need fiber-like throughput without laying fiber
• The link is short to medium range (under 20 km)
• You can ensure clear line-of-sight and good weather conditions
• You prioritize security and low interference

Use Microwave Transmission when:

• You need a reliable, moderate-speed link over 30–50 km
• Operating in all weather conditions is a must
• You want easier setup with more flexibility in alignment
• Budget constraints are tighter