A proxy, also known as a proxy is also known as the proxy server, is software that functions as mediator between a client and server on the internet. Without proxy, a user would make a request resources directly to a server and it would serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this is a simple process to understand and implement using proxy services, it may bring benefits in the form of improved performance, privacy, security, and many more. As an additional layer of protection, a proxy acts as a security guard for the internet, separating servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the bundle of server hardware with installed proxy software is commonly referred to as proxy servers. In this article, we'll concentrate on proxy servers which are usually classified as software and when it comes to web servers. We will provide a description of the two major kinds of proxy servers: a forward proxy as well as a reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to a similar the naming convention.




This article will provide you with an understanding of what proxy services and their subtypes, and their importance in standard setups. After reading this post, you'll be able to understand what circumstances that a good proxy is beneficial, and choose the correct option between reverse and forward proxy based on the situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy, also called an open proxy serves as an intermediary between the client who is trying to connect via the internet to an source server. In this scenario, every request sent by the user will be sent direct via the forward proxy. A forward proxy in the client's place, will scrutinize the request. It will first decide if the client's permitted be able to accept requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then deny any request or forward it to the original server. The client does not have connection to any internet. It has access to only the information that forward proxy grants the client access.




A very common applications of forward proxies is to increase privacy and security when surfing the internet. Forward proxy utilizes the internet as the client, and in the process it can use an alternative IP address to the client's original IP address.




Based on the way it was configured, based on the configuration forward proxy can provide different features depending on how it is configured, which allows users to:




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can identify restrictions based on your geographical place of residence.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems that offer central security as well as access based on permissions, such as in a workplace. Internet traffic can go through a forward proxy that is open, an administrator is able to restrict access to only certain users to the internet, which is protected by a common firewall. In lieu of having firewalls in place for the client layer which could include multiple machines that have different configurations and users there is the option to install an firewall that is located in the forward proxy layer.




Note to note that settings for forward proxy must be manually set up to use however reverse proxies will be ignored by the client. Depending on whether your IP address the user is transmitted to the server from which it originated via the forward proxy, privacy and security could be granted or kept secret.




There are a variety of choices to be considered for forward proxy:




Apache is an well-known open-source web server, that offers forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another well-known open-source server for web hosting with forward proxy features.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. It's not the complete web server. Check out our guide on how you can install Squid proxy for private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is an forward proxy which uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it more suitable for peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to know how to set up Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as the web server that handles the incoming requests of customers on its behalf. The web server can represent a single, or multiple servers. It could also be an application server, such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios, an application request comes by a user on the internet. The majority of the time requests are directed directly to the server with the resources the client wants. However, a reverse proxy functions as an intermediary that isolates your web server from contact with the open internet.




From the viewpoint of the individual client's perspective, the process of using reverse proxy isn't any different than using a Web server to communicate in direct contact. It's the same process, and the client cannot tell the difference. The client requests an item, and it is followed by its receipt without the need for any extra configuration required by the user.




Reverse proxies provide functions like:




A centralized layer of security that protects the server.


Incoming traffic is directed on rules you determine.


New functionality added for caching.




While centralized security can be a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy, reverse proxy adds this function to the web server layer, but not the client layer. In lieu of focussing on the upkeep of firewalls on the web server layer which can contain a variety of servers and various configurations, the majority of the firewall security is aimed at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and communicating with clients who are far from web servers enables them to concentrate on delivering the requirements of their customers.




In the case of multiple servers that are connected via a reverse proxy reverse proxy is also responsible to direct which requests go via which server. There may be several web servers providing the same content, each providing different types of services or a combination of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol that is a standard web server, but can contain different protocols for application servers, such as FastCGI. You can also configure reverse proxy servers to redirect users to a specific server based on the resource requested or to comply with specific guidelines on the volume of traffic.




Reverse proxies also take advantage of their position on top of web servers by giving them the ability to store data. Large static assets can be configured with caching policy to avoid hitting web servers with each request. Certain solutions allow you to serve static files directly without contacting servers on the internet in any manner. Additionally the reverse proxy is able to help compress these assets.




The popular Nginx web server also functions as a popular reverse proxy solution. Although there is a similar feature in the Apache web server, it has a reverse proxy features as an added feature available to Apache whereas Nginx was originally designed for and is focused on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" along with "reverse" have connotations of directionality, as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels could be confusing because both kinds of proxy systems process requests as well as responses. The best method of separating between a forward and reverse proxy is to research the specifications of the application you're creating.




A reverse proxy could be beneficial when you are developing a solution to serve web applications via the internet. They are your servers when you use the internet.




Forward proxy are useful when placed before customers for your personal use or in a business setting. They represent the traffic of your clients through any interaction via the internet.




The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the commonly used naming conventions can help in eliminating confusion.



Conclusion



The article clarified the meaning of aproxy is and the two primary types: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and a review of the beneficial attributes were used to determine forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about how proxies are implemented, you can check out our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as a reverse and web server proxy on Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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