The word "proxy" refers to a proxy or proxy server. A proxy server is software which functions as mediator between a client and server on the internet. Without the need for a proxy, a user could send a request to the server directly, and then the server would provide direct access to that resource. While this is a simple method to understand and implement with proxies, it can provide advantages in terms of enhanced performance and privacy, security and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through, a proxy acts as a security guardian of the internet between servers and clients.

It is generally accepted that the mix of hardware for servers as well as proxy software is generally known as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxies that are traditionally described as software, as well as being used in conjunction with web servers. This article will give details of the two primary types: that is a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind of proxy has its own scenario, which is often not understood due to the identical namesake convention.

This article will provide the basics of what proxies and subtypes are and what they perform in the most common configurations. After reading this article, you'll be able identify instances where the use of proxy servers is advantageous, and then choose the best option between forward and reverse proxy depending on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy sometimes known in the context of open proxy. An open proxy is a proxy for users who are seeking to make an internet request to a source server. In this scenario, the entire effort to send requests from the client will instead be routed by the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client, will scrutinize the request. It will first determine if the client is authorized to send requests via this particular forward proxy. It then decides whether to reject requests or redirect it to the original server. The client is not able to have direct access to the internet. It has access to only what the forward proxy permits it to access.

The most common reason to utilize forward proxy is for greater privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy links to internet instead of the client. In this process, it uses an IP address that is distinct from the original IP address that the user is using.

Based on how it is set up the forward proxy can provide various functions based on how it is configured that allows you to:

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  Beware of ad-tracker.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find restrictions that are based on the location you are in.
  
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Forward proxies may also be employed in systems that offer centralized security and access that is based on permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open forward proxy the administrator is able to restrict access only to a select group of clients to the internet, which is blocked by the standard firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls at clients, the layer can comprise multiple computers with different settings and users, the firewall could be installed at the layer that forwards proxy data.

Take note that forward proxies must be manually set up to use and reverse proxies could be overlooked from the clients. Based on the type of IP address a user is transmitted to the server which originated it by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a variety of options to consider in the case of forward proxy alternatives:

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  Apache is an incredibly well-known open source web server that offers forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open source web server that has the ability to forward-proxy.
  
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  Squid is an open source forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. It isn't part of the entire webserver system. We have a tutorial on how you can use Squid proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more suited for scenarios such as peer-to-peer communication. It is also possible to understand how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as acting as an agent on behalf of a web server that handles incoming requests from clients for. The web server could be a single server or multiple servers. It may also act in the role of an application server for instance Gunicorn. The request will be sent via the internet in general. In most cases your request is sent direct to a server hosting the information that the user wants. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary, detaching the webserver from direct interaction with the internet's open.

From the perspective of the user, the experience of working with reverse proxy is no different than interacting with your webserver directly. It's essentially the same but the client is unable to recognize the difference. The client sends an inquiry for an item and gets it without any further configuration required for the customer.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Security centralized to web server.
  
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  The direction of traffic that is incoming based on rules that you set up.
  
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  The caching function was added to the application.
  
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Although central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers. However, reverse proxies offer this benefit to only the server layer, and not to the layer of clients. Instead of having to maintain firewalls at the web server layer that may contain multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk protection of the firewall is placed at the layer of reverse proxy. In addition, the ease of interfacing with firewalls as well as interacting with requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.

In the event that there's a multitude of servers operating as a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is also responsible for the direction of the requests directed to which servers. There could be multiple web servers that provide the same service, but each offering different kinds of resources, or a mix of both. They can use an HTTP protocol to serve as a standard web server, however they may also be equipped with application server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure reverse proxy servers to redirect users to specific servers according to the requested resource, or to conform to specific guidelines for the amount of traffic.

Reverse proxies also benefit from their position above web servers, by providing the ability to cache data. The large static files can be configured using caching rules to prevent the web server from being hit with each request. Certain solutions allow users to upload static files without needing to connect to a web server in any way. Additionally, reverse proxy is able to compress these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a well-known reverse proxy option. Although Apache is also a reverse proxy solution however, Apache is a reverse proxy service. Apache web server also has reverse proxy capabilities as an additional option to Apache while Nginx was initially designed for and is focused on the reverse proxy feature.

Distinguishing Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Examples

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are often associated with a sense of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic could be confusing since both types of proxies deal with requests and responses. A better approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to look at the requirements of the app you're developing.

Reverse proxy is helpful in the design of a system to deliver web-based services over the internet. They act as your web server when you interact on the internet.

Forward proxy can be beneficial when it is placed in front of clients for personal use or in a work setting. They represent the traffic of your client when you use the internet.

The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the most common naming conventions can help in avoidance of confusion.

Conclusion

In this article, we clarified the definition of a proxy using two primary types of proxy: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Examples of practical use and a discussion of the most effective features were employed to distinguish between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the use for proxy servers follow our guide on how to configure Nginx as an internet proxy and reverse proxy to Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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