I have connected internet through openvpn. Without vpn like normal internet, I trace the path using tracert google.com I determined that, firstly the data goes from my computer to my home router (router ip 192.168.1.1), then ISP (xxx.xx.xx.x) and other local ISP (same country) and at the end google.com.
But after connecting openvpn, I traced again, I determined that first destination is 10.8.0.1 (I'm guessing that this IP has something to do with installed TAP driver. But, if you know exactly what it is then please explain). And then second destination, the data directly goes to outside of my Country. (The data/packet doesn't even goes to router and ISP) and at the end, google.com.
After tracing and comparing the route in ordinary connection and tunneled vpn connection, I wonder that can my ISP know that I use vpn? Can my ISP know what bandwidth I'm using xx mbps bandwidth? Do they know that a particular MAC (my modem's mac) is using particular amount of bandwidth ? or what I'm doing over vpn ?
My guess is that they can determine this things but I wonder even if the tracert doesn't display intermediate router and isp path, how the logs can be traced ?
Sorry for any mistakes, But I'm very curious about it.
Best Answer
Your ISP will be able to see that encrypted data is being sent to an endpoint, but they won't be able to actually know what this data is. Your ISP will also be able to see how much bandwidth you're using and could somewhat guess what you're using the VPN connection for, for example:
Your ISP will be able to see where you're connecting to, just not what you're sending there.
They can however ask the VPN provider or endpoint ISP for your access logs, if they are suspicious of your activities (usually requires an authorisation via a court). Remember that it may be against the ISP's terms to host any sort of server from your connection (even gameservers if it is a home DSL connection, apparently).
Your VPN connection still routes via your router/modem and your ISP, however.