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Yes, you'll be on a different network. However, the thing about Internet Service Providers (ISP) is that they provide the physical and data link layers of connectivity infrastructure regardless. All of your data is passing through their switches, which means they can capture all of the Ethernet frames they want to regardless of whether or not you're on a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By choosing to use a VPN, you can obfuscate your data somewhat, but you're also just handing it over to a second company which can also be compromised.

I know there are frame-level services out there, but again, those frames are passing through your ISP's equipment.

I might be wrong, hence the "Opinion" in the title, and I would be glad if someone were to correct me. I've been studying networking a bit over the last few years, so I think I kind of have a grasp on how it works on the various levels.

Yes, you'll be on a different network. However, the thing about Internet Service Providers (ISP) is that they provide the physical and data link layers of connectivity infrastructure regardless. All of your data is passing through their switches, which means they can capture all of the Ethernet frames they want to regardless of whether or not you're on a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By choosing to use a VPN, you can obfuscate your data somewhat, but you're also just handing it over to a second company which can also be compromised. I know there are frame-level services out there, but again, those frames are passing through your ISP's equipment. I might be wrong, hence the "Opinion" in the title, and I would be glad if someone were to correct me. I've been studying networking a bit over the last few years, so I think I kind of have a grasp on how it works on the various levels.

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[–] • 0 pt

Vpns provide zero protection unless you know what you are doing and even then you shouldn't trust yourself. But if you're not going for total anonymity they still don't protect you from cookies, browsing habits, screen size, what browser you use, probably other stuff. That's IF the vpn doesn't keep logs which you 100% can't trust them not to do regardless of anything they say.

they're about 100x as effective at keeping you private as masks are at keeping you safe. So maybe 10% effective on a good day.

[–] • 0 pt

I agree with you 100%. It's just "another layer" of protection.