A proxy can also be referred to as the software that acts as an intermediary between a client and server via the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users could make a request for servers directly and servers would then serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this may be a straightforward procedure to understand and utilize, proxy servers can result in benefits like enhanced performance, privacy, security, and more. As a pass-through layer proxy servers serve as a security barrier on the internet between servers and clients.




In general, the integrated combination of server hardware and installed proxy software is often referred as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are typically understood as software, as well as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide details of the two main types of proxy servers, which include a forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct application, and is frequently confused due to the identical namesake convention.




This article will provide an idea of what proxy services and their subtypes are, and how they can be helpful for setups that are common. After reading the article carefully, you'll be able to recognize situations where it's advantageous to use a proxy and decide on the appropriate choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy also referred to in the context of an open proxy acts as the representative of the client trying to send an internet-based request to the server that made it. In this situation any attempts to send requests made by the user are instead sent directly through the forward proxy. In this situation the forward proxy, on behalf of the client will review the request. It first will determine if this client is able to send requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it will either refuse requests or redirect it to the server it originated from. The client is not allowed directly access to internet. It has access to only what forward proxy allows for it to link to.




The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy services is to gain greater privacy or anonymity on internet. A forward proxy utilizes the internet in lieu of a client on its own, and, in doing so it could use an alternative IP address that is different from the original IP address used by the client.




Depending on how it's been setup, a forward proxy can provide a variety of functions and permit you to:




Beware of ads that track you.


Circumvent surveillance.


Establish restrictions based upon the place of residence.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems that provide central security and access based on permissions, for instance in a workplace. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open forward proxy layer an administrator is able to permit only a handful of users online access via an ordinary firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up on the client layer, that could include a variety of machines that have different settings and users there is a way to set up a firewall set up at on the front proxy layer.




Take note that forward proxies must be manually set up for their use and reverse proxies are able to be omitted by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of the client is sent to the source server through the forward proxy, privacy and security can be granted or not.




There are several options to consider for forward proxy options:




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


Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver which has forward proxy functionality.


Squid is an open source forward proxy which makes use of it's HTTP protocol. The option does not include the entire website server program. We have a tutorial on how to use Squid proxy to enable private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante: A forward proxy that runs using the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP so that it is better to work in situations like with peer-to-peer traffic. You might also wish to know how to build a Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an agent for the web server, taking care of incoming requests from clients on its behalf. The web server can comprise a server or multiple servers. Additionally, it can function as an app server, for instance, Gunicorn. In any of these situations the request will be made by a user through the internet at large. Most of the time, this request is sent directly to the web server hosting the information that the client wants. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to isolate Web servers and prevent direct contact with the web's public.




From a consumer's point of the client's point of view the use of reverse proxy is not the same as working with a web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same thing, however clients aren't able discern the difference. The client requests the resource and it then gets it, with no further configuration required from the user.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A centralized layer of security that protects the server.


Controlling traffic that is inbound according to rules that you can set up.


New feature added to caching.




Although central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy servers provide this feature to that layer of the webserver and not to the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level, which could comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Also, the removal of the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with client requests via web servers allows firewalls to concentrate on providing the resources.




In the case of multiple servers in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also is responsible for directing which requests are directed to the server. There may be multiple web servers offering the same content, providing different types of services or a mixture of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as a traditional web server. But, they may also be able to use application server protocols such as FastCGI. You can configure reverse proxy servers to route users to a specific server based on the service being requested or to follow certain guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also benefit from their positioning before web servers by providing the ability to cache data. Massive static resources can be created with caching rules in order to avoid needing to connect with web servers on every request. Some solutions allowing you to serve static content directly without having to contact the web server even once. Additionally reverse proxy is able to handle compression of these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a reliable reverse proxy option. While Apache is also a reverse proxy solution however, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is outfitted with a reverse proxy option as an additional option for Apache as opposed to Nginx was originally designed to and focuses on reverse proxy features.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases



Due to the fact that "forward" or "reverse" have connotations of directionality as well as inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxies manage requests and responses. The best method to differentiate between forward and reverse proxies is to examine the specifications of the application you're developing.




Reverse proxy is a useful tool when you are developing a solution to serve web-based applications via the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you interact on the internet.




A forward proxy can be helpful when it is placed before clients for your personal use or in a professional context. They are a representation of your client's web traffic during any interaction on the internet.




The practice of separating by use case, instead of focussing on similar names will help in making sure that there is no confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarifies the meaning of a proxy that has two types being the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and an examination of the beneficial attributes were used to determine forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested in learning more about the implementation of proxies then you should read our guide on how to configure Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy to Apache in an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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