A proxy is is also known as a proxy server software which serves as an intermediary between 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 requests directly for the resource requested by the client. Although this may be a straightforward procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxy servers could result in benefits like enhanced performance and privacy, security and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through, proxies serve as a security barrier on the internet between clients and servers.




Generally speaking, the combined package of server hardware with installed proxy software is commonly called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers which are generally referred to as software, and as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will offer a description of the two primary kinds that are forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the identical namesake convention.




This article will provide an idea of types of proxy services, what their subtypes are, and the ways they can be beneficial for the common setups. After reading this article, you'll be able discern the scenarios where it's beneficial to utilize a proxy and decide on the appropriate choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy, in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy, also known in the context of an open proxy acts as the agent of the client, trying to send an internet-based request to the server that originated it. In this scenario, all attempts to send requests from the user will be directed directly to the forward proxy. In this situation the forward proxy acting in the client's stead, will review the request. It will first decide if the client can make requests using this specific forward proxy. It will then either refuse requests or redirect them to the server that originally made the request. The client is not able to have directly access to internet. It has access to only what the forward proxy allows the client to access.




The primary reason for people to use forward proxies is to gain greater privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy utilizes the internet in lieu of an individual client and, in doing so it could make use of an alternative IP address to the original IP address used by the client.




Depending on how it's been configured, a forward proxy can offer a variety of features and allow you to:




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Determine restrictions based on your location.




Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that provide centralized security and access that is based on permissions, for instance at work. If all internet traffic flows through an open front proxy, the administrator is able to permit only a few clients connection to internet using an ordinary firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up on the client layer, that could include a variety of machines with different settings and users, there is a way to put a firewall set up at on the front proxy layer.




Be aware that forward proxy servers need to be set up manually for their use while reverse proxies may be ignored by clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client is sent to the source server through the forward proxy, privacy and security may be granted or left transparent.




There are a number of possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxies:




Apache is an well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver that includes forward proxy capabilities.


Squid: A free and free forward proxy which utilizes it's HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include the complete web server application. Learn more from our guide on how you can use Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


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



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an agent for the web server, taking care of any requests that come in from clients on its behalf. The web server could comprise a server or multiple servers. Additionally, it can function as an application server, like Gunicorn. In any of these situations the request will be made by a user through the internet in general. In the majority of cases the request is made directly to the server hosting the information that the user wants. Instead, a reverse proxy is a intermediary to separate Web servers from direct interaction with the internet's public.




From a consumer's point of view from a client's perspective, using a reverse proxy is no the same as working with a the Web server directly. It's basically the same thing, however clients aren't able tell the distinction. Client makes request for 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 you can define.


New functionality added for caching.




While central security is a benefit for both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this feature to that layer that is on the webserver, rather than the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level, which could contain multiple servers with various configurations, the majority of firewall security is concentrated in the reverse proxy layer. Also, the removal of the responsibility to interact with firewalls and interfacing with client requests via web servers allows firewalls to focus on supplying the necessary resources.




In the case of multiple servers connected to a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy takes care of directing the requests to which server. There may be multiple web servers that provide the same content, providing different kinds of services or a mixture of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol similar to an ordinary web server. However, they can be equipped with protocol for application servers like FastCGI. There is the possibility to set up reverse proxy servers to route visitors to specific server depending on the service being requested or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also benefit from their position ahead of web servers, by offering the ability to cache data. Massive static resources can be set up with caching rules in order to avoid having to contact web servers every time you request. There are some solutions even allowing you to serve static content directly without having to contact the web server even once. Additionally the reverse proxy is able to handle compression on these resources.




The popular Nginx web server also functions as a reliable reverse proxy solution. While Apache is also a reverse proxy solution, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server also comes equipped with a reverse proxy feature as an additional feature for Apache unlike Nginx was originally designed to and focuses on reverse proxy functions.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases



Due to the fact that "forward" or "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality as well as false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic The labels could be confusing because both types of proxies manage the process of responding to requests. The most effective way 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're creating a solution for serving applications on the web via the internet. They represent your web servers whenever you interact on the web.




A forward proxy is helpful when it is displayed in front of clients for personal use and in professional environment. They represent your client's traffic for any internet-based interaction.




The practice of separating by use case rather than focusing on the similar names can help in making sure that there is no confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain the significance of a proxy with two types: the forward proxy as well as the reverse. Practical scenarios for application and an examination of the beneficial attributes were used to identify forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about implementation of proxies then you should read our guide on how to configure Nginx to act as an Internet server and reverse proxy to Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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