1. An Internet appliance comprising: (a) a first packet data network interface configured to bi-directionally communicate data packets according to an Internet Protocol with a public network; (b) a second packet data network interface configured to bi-directionally communicate data packets according to an Internet Protocol with a private network; (c) a computer telephony interface; and (d) a processor having an associated memory configured to store executable code, wherein said code defines at least a remote virtual interface function, a data packet routing function, and a voice communication processing function for controlling the computer telephony interface.