Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has come a long way since the mid-90s when the technology first enabled phone calls over the internet. Thoughtful developments in telephony hardware and software have driven its growth, and enhanced internet functionality has been a key component, too.

VoIP is the funny-sounding phone system that’s been around for over two decades. Though that may seem surprising, it actually makes sense, because that’s about how long the internet has been mainstream, and “Voice over Internet Protocol” needs internet in order to function.