Darksaber
10-08-2007, 07:38 PM
[page=Introduction]
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/WL_5400CAM/images/logo.jpg
I would like to thank OvisLink (http://www.airlive.com) for supplying the review sample.
About AirLive and OvisLink
AirLive is a wireless series launched by OvisLink in 2001 with the "Living in a World without Boundaries, Building a Network without Wires" as the main motto. Their goal and direction for the series is best described on the AirLive about page:
AirLive has since brought the freedom of wireless communication to millions of users. Connecting people's lives together across the globe. Therefore, OvisLink Corp. implement the AirLive trademark and the "simple yet powerful networking" philosophy across its entire product lines. Be sure to look for the AirLive trademark for genuine and quality products by OvisLink Corp.
OvisLink was established in 1993 in Taiwan, as a network solutions provider. They now offer over 200 unique and useful networking products for both small businesses and home use. OvisLink Corp. was the first company in Taiwan to introduce Fast-Ethernet NICs and Switches when IEEE 802.3u standard was established in 1996. Moreover, OvisLink Corp. entered the WLAN market in 2001 with the AirLive series and became the major provider of wireless solutions
Today we take a look at the AirLive Sky-211, which is a USB Skype Phone Gateway. This allows you to use your normal land line phone to make and receive calls over the Skype network.
Specification
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="450">
<tr>
<th scope="row">Model</th>
<td scope="row">AirLive Sky-211 USB Skype Phone Gateway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Interface</th>
<td scope="row"> USB 1.1/2.0 port
1 x FXS port for Telephone
1 x FXO port for Line</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Operation Mode</th>
<td scope="row"> Free PC-to-PC calls over Internet.
Low PC to phone call rate over the Internet.
Compatible with any standard analog telephone set.
Auto detection and switching of incoming PSTN or VoIP calls.
Automatic switching between PSTN and VoIP calls.
Call waiting on PSTN and VoIP calls.
Free 3-Way conference calling between PSTN and VoIP calls.
Long distance and international toll bypass from your mobile phone.
Increased availability by forwarding incoming VoIP calls to your mobile phone.
Call switching from mobile to PSTN to Internet Skype and vice versa.
Full-duplex, echo-free sound quality.
Incoming PSTN/Skype call hold and transfer among multiple users
Incoming PSTN/Skype call redirects to Skype/PSTN route.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">USB Interface</th>
<td scope="row"> Plug-and-Play USB device.
Compliant with USB Revision 1.1 and 2.0.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">OS Support</th>
<td scope="row"> Windows XP
Windows 2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">System Requirements</th>
<td scope="row"> Pentium III 667MHz processor and above.
One free USB port.
128MB RAM or more.
50MB of free disk space for driver installation.
CD-ROM drive.
Internet connection (ADSL, Cable,..etc).
Broadband registered VoIP account.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Weight</th>
<td scope="row">100 g</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Product Size</th>
<td scope="row">107 x 72 x 20 mm</td>
</tr>
</table>
[page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packfront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packback_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packback.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packopen_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packopen.jpg)
The Airlive Sky-211 ships in a very small carboard box. It features the same blue and white package as all their products. The front shows the device itself while the back goes into detail about its features - in 7 different languages. Opening the box up, reveals the unit neatly placed in a plastic bag.
Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/cables_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/cables.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/cdmanual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/cdmanual.jpg)
There are two cables included. A normal phone cable for which you will need an adapter in some european countries. This adapter is not included. The second is a standard USB 2.0 cable which connects the Sky-211 with the PC and allows an interface to Skype. AirLive also includes a multi-language manual and a driver CD in the compact packaging.
[page=A Closer Look & Software]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/devicefront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/devicefront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/devicebottom_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/devicebottom.jpg)
The Sky-211 is made of sturdy blue plastic. The top features the company logo and the model name. You will find a label with the serial number on the underside of the Gateway.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/leds_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/leds.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/connections_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/connections.jpg)
Two small LEDs let you know what line is active. These are clearly labled as PSTN for the land line and VoIP for Skype calls. The rear of the Sky-211 has two PSTN connectors which route the land line through the device. This is needed as it needs to manage both the local line and the VoIP one. The latter is established through the USB 2.0 plug. Note the lack of a power supply. The Sky-211 is powered by the USB 2.0 bus.
Software
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft001_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft001.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft002.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft003_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft003.jpg)
Installation of the Sky-211 is very simple. Just insert the CD, click on the appropriate menu item and then just hit next until the installation is done.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft006.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft005_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft005.jpg)
At this point you are asked to reboot and Skype recognizes the device for use within the application. Even though you are asked to reboot, the Sky-211 worked right of the bat.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft007_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft007.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft008_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft008.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft009_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft009.jpg)
The included software is very straight forward as well. It can be accessed through a small icon in the system tray. There are three tabs. The first let's you set how the normal phone may switch over to VoIP and what program can be used with the gateway. The second tap gives you the ability to route calls to different numbers or to a voice mail system. You may set either PSTN or VoIP calls in any way you wish. You may even record conversations and this can be setup in the third and last tab. The software is simple but very effective.
[page=Use & Conclusion]
Use
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/allconn_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/allconn.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/pstnon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/pstnon.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/voipon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/voipon.jpg)
Installing the Sky-211 is quite easy, just connect the device to the PC with the supplied USB 2.0 cable and route the land line through the device. If you wish to make a VoIP call, just press "##" on the phone and it will jump from PSTN to VoIP. Receiving calls from either is done automatically. Just pick up the phone when it rings!
Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The AirLive Sky-211 Skype Phone Gateway will set you back around $70 US Dollars or 70€. </td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Very well built
Intuitive use
USB 2.0 powered
Can be used with any traditional phone
Simple, but solid software
Recording of call possible
Three way calling between land line and VoIP
Different ring tones for internet or land line calls
Calls can be redirected independently
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Requires a PC closeby as it uses Skype
70€ is a bit on the expensive side
Short USB 2.0 cable
No support for ISDN telephones
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.3</th>
<td>
The AirLive Sky-211 is a very interesting device, which gives you the ability to use Skype with all its benefits as you would a traditional land line. While the device does cost 70 US Dollars, it is perfect for people who really do not want to sit in front of a PC to reap all the benefits of a VoIP call. AirLive is known for its innovative products, and the Sky-211 is another such device, with solid software, easy setup and the tendency to become something you do not want to be without once you start using it.
</td></tr><tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/WL_5400CAM/images/logo.jpg
I would like to thank OvisLink (http://www.airlive.com) for supplying the review sample.
About AirLive and OvisLink
AirLive is a wireless series launched by OvisLink in 2001 with the "Living in a World without Boundaries, Building a Network without Wires" as the main motto. Their goal and direction for the series is best described on the AirLive about page:
AirLive has since brought the freedom of wireless communication to millions of users. Connecting people's lives together across the globe. Therefore, OvisLink Corp. implement the AirLive trademark and the "simple yet powerful networking" philosophy across its entire product lines. Be sure to look for the AirLive trademark for genuine and quality products by OvisLink Corp.
OvisLink was established in 1993 in Taiwan, as a network solutions provider. They now offer over 200 unique and useful networking products for both small businesses and home use. OvisLink Corp. was the first company in Taiwan to introduce Fast-Ethernet NICs and Switches when IEEE 802.3u standard was established in 1996. Moreover, OvisLink Corp. entered the WLAN market in 2001 with the AirLive series and became the major provider of wireless solutions
Today we take a look at the AirLive Sky-211, which is a USB Skype Phone Gateway. This allows you to use your normal land line phone to make and receive calls over the Skype network.
Specification
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable" width="450">
<tr>
<th scope="row">Model</th>
<td scope="row">AirLive Sky-211 USB Skype Phone Gateway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Interface</th>
<td scope="row"> USB 1.1/2.0 port
1 x FXS port for Telephone
1 x FXO port for Line</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Operation Mode</th>
<td scope="row"> Free PC-to-PC calls over Internet.
Low PC to phone call rate over the Internet.
Compatible with any standard analog telephone set.
Auto detection and switching of incoming PSTN or VoIP calls.
Automatic switching between PSTN and VoIP calls.
Call waiting on PSTN and VoIP calls.
Free 3-Way conference calling between PSTN and VoIP calls.
Long distance and international toll bypass from your mobile phone.
Increased availability by forwarding incoming VoIP calls to your mobile phone.
Call switching from mobile to PSTN to Internet Skype and vice versa.
Full-duplex, echo-free sound quality.
Incoming PSTN/Skype call hold and transfer among multiple users
Incoming PSTN/Skype call redirects to Skype/PSTN route.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">USB Interface</th>
<td scope="row"> Plug-and-Play USB device.
Compliant with USB Revision 1.1 and 2.0.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">OS Support</th>
<td scope="row"> Windows XP
Windows 2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">System Requirements</th>
<td scope="row"> Pentium III 667MHz processor and above.
One free USB port.
128MB RAM or more.
50MB of free disk space for driver installation.
CD-ROM drive.
Internet connection (ADSL, Cable,..etc).
Broadband registered VoIP account.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Weight</th>
<td scope="row">100 g</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th scope="row">Product Size</th>
<td scope="row">107 x 72 x 20 mm</td>
</tr>
</table>
[page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packfront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packback_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packback.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packopen_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/packopen.jpg)
The Airlive Sky-211 ships in a very small carboard box. It features the same blue and white package as all their products. The front shows the device itself while the back goes into detail about its features - in 7 different languages. Opening the box up, reveals the unit neatly placed in a plastic bag.
Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/cables_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/cables.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/cdmanual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/cdmanual.jpg)
There are two cables included. A normal phone cable for which you will need an adapter in some european countries. This adapter is not included. The second is a standard USB 2.0 cable which connects the Sky-211 with the PC and allows an interface to Skype. AirLive also includes a multi-language manual and a driver CD in the compact packaging.
[page=A Closer Look & Software]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/devicefront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/devicefront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/devicebottom_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/devicebottom.jpg)
The Sky-211 is made of sturdy blue plastic. The top features the company logo and the model name. You will find a label with the serial number on the underside of the Gateway.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/leds_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/leds.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/connections_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/connections.jpg)
Two small LEDs let you know what line is active. These are clearly labled as PSTN for the land line and VoIP for Skype calls. The rear of the Sky-211 has two PSTN connectors which route the land line through the device. This is needed as it needs to manage both the local line and the VoIP one. The latter is established through the USB 2.0 plug. Note the lack of a power supply. The Sky-211 is powered by the USB 2.0 bus.
Software
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft001_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft001.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft002.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft003_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft003.jpg)
Installation of the Sky-211 is very simple. Just insert the CD, click on the appropriate menu item and then just hit next until the installation is done.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft006.jpg http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft005_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft005.jpg)
At this point you are asked to reboot and Skype recognizes the device for use within the application. Even though you are asked to reboot, the Sky-211 worked right of the bat.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft007_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft007.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft008_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft008.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft009_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/soft009.jpg)
The included software is very straight forward as well. It can be accessed through a small icon in the system tray. There are three tabs. The first let's you set how the normal phone may switch over to VoIP and what program can be used with the gateway. The second tap gives you the ability to route calls to different numbers or to a voice mail system. You may set either PSTN or VoIP calls in any way you wish. You may even record conversations and this can be setup in the third and last tab. The software is simple but very effective.
[page=Use & Conclusion]
Use
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/allconn_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/allconn.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/pstnon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/pstnon.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/voipon_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/AirLive/Sky_211/images/voipon.jpg)
Installing the Sky-211 is quite easy, just connect the device to the PC with the supplied USB 2.0 cable and route the land line through the device. If you wish to make a VoIP call, just press "##" on the phone and it will jump from PSTN to VoIP. Receiving calls from either is done automatically. Just pick up the phone when it rings!
Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The AirLive Sky-211 Skype Phone Gateway will set you back around $70 US Dollars or 70€. </td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Very well built
Intuitive use
USB 2.0 powered
Can be used with any traditional phone
Simple, but solid software
Recording of call possible
Three way calling between land line and VoIP
Different ring tones for internet or land line calls
Calls can be redirected independently
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Requires a PC closeby as it uses Skype
70€ is a bit on the expensive side
Short USB 2.0 cable
No support for ISDN telephones
</td></tr>
<tr><th>8.3</th>
<td>
The AirLive Sky-211 is a very interesting device, which gives you the ability to use Skype with all its benefits as you would a traditional land line. While the device does cost 70 US Dollars, it is perfect for people who really do not want to sit in front of a PC to reap all the benefits of a VoIP call. AirLive is known for its innovative products, and the Sky-211 is another such device, with solid software, easy setup and the tendency to become something you do not want to be without once you start using it.
</td></tr><tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>