Types of VoIP

In my experience, there are several types of VoIP services and several categories of VoIP that can be discussed.

The original type of VoIP was basically what I call "computer to computer". In the early days of VoIP, this rudimentary service was primarily pursued by hobbyists. It required special software that got loaded onto their computers, along with a separate microphone (which were generally not built into computers/laptops as they are now) for talking and headsets for hearing. The quality was very iffy and many times the connections were dropped.

True VoIP is what is known as IP Telephony and can be computer to landline phone, landline phone to computer or landline phone to landline phone. This is the type that businesses take advantage of decrease their telecommunications costs. The quality is much better and equals most traditional phone company service. Reliability is much better than the early hobbyist versions and is now considered as a basic phone line replacement service.