A proxy is also referred to an application called a proxy server that serves as a mediator between a client and server on the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, a user could send a request to resources directly to a server, and servers would serve direct to users. It is an easy procedure to comprehend and use, the addition of proxy servers could provide benefits like improved performance, privacy, security, and more. As an additional layer of pass-through they act as a gatekeeper of the internet between servers and clients.




Generally speaking, the combined package of server hardware with installed proxy software is often called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically understood as software as being used in conjunction with web servers. This article will give a description of the two primary kinds of proxy servers, which include a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different use case, often confused due to the similar namesake convention.




This article will give you an idea of different types of proxy services and what their subtypes are, as well as how they are useful for common setups. If you read the article carefully, you'll understand the situations when it is beneficial to use a proxy and decide on the right choice between forward and reverse proxy in any circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy sometimes known as or an open proxy is the representative of the client trying to send an internet-based request to the server which made it. In this scenario, all attempts to send requests made by the user will instead be routed directly through the forward proxy. In this case the forward proxy acting instead of the client will review the request. It first will determine if the client can make requests using this specific forward proxy. It will then either deny requests or redirect them to the server it originated from. The client is not capable of having an internet connection directly. It has access to only what the forward proxy permits the client to access.




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 instead of an individual client and during this manner it can use an alternative IP address that is different from the original IP address of the client.




Based on the way it's set up the forward proxy will provide a variety of functions and allow you to:




Beware of ads that track you.


Circumvent surveillance.


Establish restrictions based upon the your location.




Forward proxies may also be utilized in systems that provide central security and access based on permissions, such as at work. If all internet traffic flows through a common forward proxy layer, an administrator can allow only a few clients connection to internet through a common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls at the client layer which could involve a number of computers with different settings and users, you can set up a firewall set up at on the front proxy layer.




Take note that forward proxies need to be set up manually in order to permit their use while reverse proxies may be ignored by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of a client is transmitted to the origin server via forward proxy privacy and security can be granted or left transparent.




There are several alternatives to look into for forward proxies.




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


Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver that includes forward proxy functions.


Squid is an Open Source Forward Proxy which uses it's HTTP protocol. The option does not include an entire web server application. We have a tutorial on how you can use Squid proxy to enable private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante: A forward proxy that runs on the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP to make it more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer connections. You might also wish to learn how to create a Dante proxy to permit private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary for a web server that handles the incoming requests of clients on behalf of. This web server may include one server or several servers. Additionally, it can function as an application server, like Gunicorn. In any of these situations a request could be made by a user through the internet in general. In the majority of cases it is transmitted directly to the server that hosts the information that the client wants. Reverse proxy is a intermediary to isolate Web servers from direct communication with the internet's public.




From a consumer's point the client's point of view using reverse proxy is not anything different than working with a web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same, but clients aren't able discern the difference. Client requests the resource, and then it receives it without any additional configuration needed from the user.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A central layer of security that guards the server.


Controlling traffic inbound based on rules you can define.


New feature added to caching.




Central security is a benefit for both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this feature only to the layer on the webserver rather than the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls on the server level that may include multiple servers that have different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is concentrated upon the reverse proxy. Also, the removal of the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with requests from clients off of web servers allows the firewall to focus on supplying resources.




In the case of multiple servers that are connected to a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy determines which requests are directed to the server. There may be several web servers that provide the same content, offering different kinds of services or a combination of both. They could use the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as an ordinary web server. However, they could be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can configure a reverse proxy to send visitors to a particular server based on the service requested or to comply with specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies may benefit from being placed prior to web servers through the capability to store data. Massive static resources can be set up with caching rules to avoid having to call web servers every time you request, with some solutions even allowing users to serve static content directly without having to contact the server once. Additionally, the reverse proxy can handle the compression of these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server can also function as an effective reverse proxy option. While Apache is also a reverse proxy solution however, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server also comes outfitted with a reverse proxy option as an additional feature for Apache unlike Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" or "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality as well as inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing because both types of proxies manage the process of responding to requests. The most effective way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy is to look at the specifications of the application you're creating.




Reverse proxy is a useful tool when you are creating a solution for serving web-based applications via the internet. Reverse proxy servers represent your website every time you use the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is displayed before clients for personal use or in a professional setting. They represent your client's traffic for any online interaction.




Separating by use case, instead of using the same names will help in making sure that there is no confusion.



Conclusion



This article explains the meaning of a proxy that has two kinds: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical application scenarios as well as the exploration of attributes that are beneficial were used to determine forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the use of proxy servers then you should follow our tutorial on how to set up Nginx for use as an online server and reverse proxy for Apache on the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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