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The Netgear Wi-Fi phone is a mobile device that allows anyone to make calls over the Internet using Skype. It is the world’s first wireless Internet phone of this kind. This wireless Internet phone is manufactured by a US-based company called Netgear – a renowned manufacturer of computer networking equipment and other related hardware. Skype is freely available software that enables voice communication via the Internet to another Skype user, anywhere in the world. With Skype, the computer works as the phone. The Netgear Wi-Fi phone comes equipped with the Skype software and hence can be used directly for communicating.

The Netgear phone uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to send voice packets over the Internet. It does so by converting analogue signals into digital data packets and then sending them across. This happens in real-time and so conversations are made possible. It is the same protocol that allows data to travel from one computer to another. VoIP bypasses traditional telephone services resulting in substantial cost savings. Free Skype client software for different operating systems can be downloaded from many websites.

Launched in mid-2006, Netgear’s Wi-Fi phone devices enable consumers to make unlimited free domestic and international calls to other Skype users over a wireless network without being tied to a computer. The Wi-Fi phone will work anywhere in the world, as long as there is a secure or open access to a Wi-Fi network whether at home, in the office, at a public hotspot, or at other such access points that don’t require browser-based authentication.

The Netgear Wi-Fi Phone SPH200W is designed to deploy Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) for Wi-Fi security and is Wi-Fi compatible with wireless local area networks. The Netgear Wi-Fi phone is compatible with most of the leading hotspot providers. The phone has an intuitive on-screen menu that lets you see who is online and available to talk, like typical chat windows. For a small amount of money, you can call any landline or mobile phone using the SkypeOut.

The Netgear Wi-Fi phone is a handy device that allows you to stay in touch with your friends and family no matter where you are. Technology from Skype and Netgear, two of the most popular brands in their markets, is combined to create a product that is useful and practical.