It looks unbelievable but it's true. You can now make internet phone calls that are free or cost next to nothing. That is achievable because of the progression of technology - namely, the Internet. First, let's understand how making phone calls on the Internet possible. The Internet transfers data using the Internet protocol (IP). All data, in its digital format are transferred from one point to another location either via wires and cables, or over a wireless network. Data that is sent over the Internet is divided into packets. Any attempt to send or receive data on the Internet is an attempt to send or receive these packets. A high quality connection means that you are able to send and receive packets smoothly and quickly without losses. However, sometimes we may get a flaky connection. That means packets are lost in the transferring process. Some part of data that we are meant to receive or some data that we sent is lost. Fortunately, as the Internet infrastructure all over world improves, this is very uncommon. To connect to the Internet, you will need a modem and a router. The modem allows you to connect to an internet provider. A router is necessary because it allows the network to identify you, so that you can send and receive data packets. Without it, the packets wouldn't know where to go. Obviously, to make an internet phone call, you need an Internet connection. That means you should be plugged in with the equipment mentioned above. Your personal computer or laptop can be connected to the Internet with a LAN (local area network) cable, or a wireless adapter (if you have a wireless router). Once you are connected to the Internet, you will get some special software. This program can be easily obtained from your Internet phone service provider, or downloaded for free from the Internet. Good example of such a software is X-Lite. Or, if you don't want to use your computer and program, you can get a special piece of equipment commonly known as the IP phone device (e.g. inksys PAP2). This phone is plugged into your router, and you should be able to use it like a normal phone. With the special hardware or software installed, you can make and receive local or international phone calls. Commonly, if you are calling someone on the same network as you, you do not have to pay a single cent. You just paying when making a phone call to somebody who is on a different VoIP network, or when connecting to a land line. Even then, the fees incurred are noticeably cheaper than regular international phone calls made via land lines. Internet phone calls can be free or dirt cheap as transferring data over the Internet is cheap. As the infrastructure continues to improve, the cost of high quality Internet connections become cheaper. For the consumer point of view, this is great news because now, consumers have other alternatives to choose from when making international phone calls. Extensive competition has also driven prices down. All in all, these factors have contributed to making internet phone calls free, or highly affordable.
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