If I use the vpn server while connected to my home network using openvpn app on my phone is my traffic encrypted?
Op by definition if you are connected to a VPN the traffic between those two endpoints is encrypted. (Firewalla and Phone) If you are using you Firewalla VPN all that means is that the traffic between you and router is encrypted.
If you were trying to use a VPN to hide from ISP this will not work. You are only encrypting the local traffic on you home network. You would need another VPN service between Firewalla and open internet.
I’m not sure I understand the question. Are you saying you’re on your home WiFi with your phone, and in addition to that, connecting to the vpn server at the same location with the OpenVPN app? Technically, yes, that traffic is encrypted to your gateway, but if your WiFi is secured with at least WPA2, it was already encrypted to your AP anyway, you’re just adding an extra layer of encryption overhead that doesn’t really provide any meaningful benefit.
The vpn server feature is meant for when you’re away from home to hide your activity from whatever strange public WiFi network you’re connected to.
Thank you much! So that is why the 3rd party option is also available? For encryption from your isp?
Your phone traffic will be encrypted up to the Firewalla. If anything is sniffing on the LAN side, they should not see anything.
Yes - you should be able to get and set up a free VPN service, and depending on the speed you need it may be enough.