Vonage and D-Link Launch Wireless-B/G Broadband Router

VoIP-based calling services provider Vonage and networking technology manufacturer D-Link launched on Wednesday the VWR, a Wireless-B/G Broadband Router with 2 phone ports bundled with Vonage's (News - Alert) service. The new device is currently available online for $59.99, after a $40 instant rebate.

D-Link VWR is four devices in a box. It includes a Wireless-B/G Access Point; a built-in 4-port switch to connect wired Ethernet devices; a router function so the entire network can securely share a single cable or DSL Internet connection, and two standard telephone jacks, allowing for multiple phone lines. Bundled with Vonage's Internet telephony service, it offers customers the hardware and all needed to begin talking.

The product incorporates Texas Instruments' (News - Alert) TNETV1060 VoIP gateway chipset, which delivers voice processing and data routing functions.

"Recognizing the need for individuals and small businesses to have a myriad of options when setting up their networks, Vonage is excited to continue its relationship with D-Link, as together the two companies will work to continue to be leaders in redefining how people communicate," said Vonage Network Inc.'s senior vice president of engineering Daniel Smires in a statement. "With the rapid demand for wireless networking devices, this partnership enables us to offer D-Link's consumer-friendly, feature-rich voice terminal and wireless networking technologies, a simple way for consumers to benefit from Vonage's attractively priced, tiered calling plans."

Today's news follows Vonage's announcement on Monday about it having over 85 percent of its subscriber lines in the U.S. currently equipped with Enhanced 911 (E911), a feature that associates a physical address with the calling party's telephone number automatically. The service provider has since turned on E911 at more than 500 locally-run emergency call centers across the U.S., bringing the total number of calling centers with emergency 911 to over 5400.

Vonage Holdings Corp.
http://www.vonage.com
D-Link Systems, Inc.
http://www.dlink.com

SOURCE: Johanne Torres TMCnet Contributing Editor