The term "proxy" refers to the idea of a proxy commonly known as a proxy server is software that acts in the role of intermediary between server and client via the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users can send a request for an item directly to a server, and the server will serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this method is easy to understand and implement, adding proxies provides advantages like more speed, privacy and security, and so on. As a pass-through layer the proxy acts as a security layer for the internet between clients and servers.

In general, the set of server hardware and the software for proxy installation is usually referred to as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are generally classified as software, specifically, in relation with web server. We will present a summary of the two primary types of proxies: that is the reverse proxy as well as a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misinterpreted due the common terms.

This article will give you an understanding of what proxies as well as their subtypes and ways in which they can be beneficial in a range of configurations. If you go through this article, you'll learn to identify the circumstances in which the use of proxy servers is beneficial, and then determine the best option between forward and reverse proxy for any particular situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy is also referred to in the context of an open proxy serves as the representative of the client who is trying to transmit a request through the internet to a source server. In this scenario, every attempt to send requests from the user's side will be handled by forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in place of the user will review the request. It will then determine whether the client is allowed to transmit requests through this specific forward proxy. Then, it will decide whether to reject the request or send it back to its source server. The client is unable to have direct connection to internet. It can only reach what the forward proxy permits the client to access.

The most popular reason to utilize forward proxy servers is to improve privacy or security while using the internet. A forward proxy is able to connect to the internet, instead of a client, and in this manner, it is using a different IP address than the original IP address of the client.

Depending on how it's been set up depending on how it is configured, forward proxy may offer a variety of features that allow you to:

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  Beware of ad-tracker.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You will be able to identify any restrictions based upon your geographical location.
  
  

Forward proxies are also utilized to secure systems which are centralized and accessible dependent on permissions, for instance at work. In the event that all internet traffic goes through an open forward proxy layer an administrator could limit access for just a small number of users to the internet, which is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of creating security firewalls on the layer that is used by clients which could be used by a number of computers that have different settings and types of users, there is a way to set up a firewall at the front proxy layer.

Take note of the fact that forward proxy servers need to be configured manually for use in order to be used, while reverse proxy servers can be obfuscated by clients. Based on whether your IP address the user is relayed to an server that originated it by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity can be granted or denied.

There are many alternatives to look into for forward proxies.

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  Apache An open-source, well-known web server that has forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Squid: A no-cost forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the entire web server. Check out our instructions on how to set up Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP which makes it more suitable for use instances like peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to check out how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as an agent for a web server, that handles customer requests on its behalf. This server can represent either a single or multiple servers. It could also be an application server, like Gunicorn. In either scenario the request will be made via the internet in general. The request is typically directed directly to the web server hosting the information the client is in need of. In contrast, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that isolates this webserver from all direct contact with the public internet.

From the point of view of the client an individual's point of view the process of utilizing reverse proxy is the same than working with the server in its own way. It's exactly the same however the client cannot be able to discern the distinction. Client makes a request for the resource and then receives it, without any additional configuration required from the user.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  The web server is secured centrally.
  
  
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  The direction of traffic coming in is by rules you have set.
  
  
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  A new feature for caching has been added.
  
  

While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies provide this feature only to the server layer, it is not available to the client layer. Instead of focusing on maintaining firewalls at the server level which could contain several servers, each with various configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is concentrated at the reverse proxy level. Furthermore, taking the burden of interacting with firewalls and connecting with client requests away from web servers allows the firewall to concentrate on providing the requirements of their clients.

In the event that there's multiple servers hosted by a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for how requests are routed to which server. There could be multiple web servers offering the identical service, providing different kinds of resources, or a combination of the two. These servers may use the HTTP protocol to function as a web server in the traditional sense, however they can also use applications server protocols like FastCGI. It is also possible to set up a reverse proxy to direct users to a specific server based on the resource being requested or to abide by certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies also gain by their positioning prior to web servers by offering the ability to cache. Large static assets can be set by caching rules to ensure that web servers are not hit on every request. There are options that allow you to serve directly static assets, without connecting directly to web servers in any form. In addition, the reverse proxy is capable of compressing these assets.

The renowned Nginx web server also functions as an effective reverse proxy service. Even though Apache can also be a reverse proxy service, the Apache web server is also equipped with a reverse proxy feature that is an additional option that is accessible to Apache However, Nginx was initially designed to specifically focus on reverse proxy features.

The distinction between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations

Since "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality and misleading analogies to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing as both types of proxies handle both requests as well as responses. An alternative method to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to study the requirements of the program that you're creating.

A reverse proxy is useful in the development of a solution to deliver web-based applications to the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you interact using the internet.

Forward proxy can be helpful when you are before customers to use for personal purposes or in an environment that is professional. They serve as the proxy for your client for interactions on the internet.

Differentiating by case of use instead of solely focusing on common naming conventions can aid in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article describes what a proxy is and provides two kinds: forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical examples of use as well as a look at the beneficial features were used to differentiate forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're looking to know more about proxy servers, read our guide on how you can configure Nginx as a reverse proxy using Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.