The term "proxy" refers to a proxy is also referred to as a proxy server software that acts to act as an intermediary between a client and server on the internet. Without a middleman the user would an inquiry directly to a server, and the server would then serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this is a simple process to grasp and use the addition of proxies can bring benefits including increased speed, privacy and security, and a lot more. Alongside offering a security layer they also act as a security guardian of the internet between clients and servers.




In general, the bundled package of server hardware with installed proxy software is commonly referred to as proxy servers. This article will be focusing on proxies traditionally defined as software and in the context of web servers. We will provide a brief overview of the two primary types: one being forward proxy and the other being a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different use, which could be confusing due to the similar name-based convention.




This article will provide you with the understanding of the types of proxy services available and their subtypes are, as well as the ways in which they can be beneficial in common configurations. In this article, you'll be able to discern the scenarios that you can gain by a proxy, and select the correct solution in between reverse and forward proxy in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy, also referred to by the name of an open proxy serves as the representative of a customer who wants to forward requests via the internet to the server that created it. In this situation, it's the scenario that all requests made by the client will instead be forwarded straight into forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client, will examine into the request. In the beginning, it will decide whether the client is authorized to submit requests through this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either deny requests or redirect them to the original server. The client isn't allowed directly access to internet. it will only be capable of accessing the details that the forward proxy permits the client to access.




One popular reason to use forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security online. Forward proxy has the ability to connect to the internet as a client. In this way, it is using another IP address in comparison to your client's IP address.




Depending on how it has been set up depending on how it is configured forward proxy can perform a variety of tasks as well as the ability to:




Beware of ads-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine limitations based on your geographic location.




Forward proxies also are employed in systems that provide central security and access is based on permissions, for example in workplaces. In the event that all internet traffic is routed by an open forward proxy a administrator may limit access to specific users on the internet using a common firewall. Instead of implementing firewalls on the client layer which could contain multiple devices with various configurations and users A firewall could be installed at the forward proxy layer.




Remember that forward proxy servers must be manually configured to use the reverse proxy, while forward proxies may go unnoticed by the client. Depending on the type of IP address of the client that is transferred to the origin server through the forward proxy privacy and anonymity might be granted or not.




There are numerous options to consider for forward proxy services:




Apache: A popular open-source web server, which offers forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another renowned open-source webserver with forward proxy capability.


Squid: An open source forward proxy using the HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire website server program. You can refer to our instructions on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP which makes it more suited to use cases like peer-topeer communication. You can also learn how to configure Dante proxy to support private connections with Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy serves as an agent for a web server. It manages the incoming requests of clients. Web servers can function as a single server, or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could be used as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios it is possible to receive a request from a user of the internet generally. In most cases, the request would be sent directly to the web server which has all the resources that the user is seeks. However, a reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, shielding this webserver from direct interaction with the internet.




From the perspective of a user an individual's viewpoint the procedure of using reverse proxy is not much different from working with the Web server itself. It's essentially the same thing, however the client is unable to tell the difference. The client sends the request to access an item, and it is then followed by the receipt of it, with no additional configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxy proxies may offer features, like:




Centralized security for the web server layer.


Directing incoming traffic using rules that can be create.


The caching function has been added to the app.




While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy service, reverse proxy providers provide this benefit only to Web layer servers and not to the client layer. instead of the maintenance of firewalls at Web server layers which could comprise multiple servers that have different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is concentrated at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, the absence to interface with a firewall and interfacing with requests from clients via web servers lets them concentrate on delivering resources.




If there are multiple servers running behind a reverse proxy it also controls how requests are routed which server. Many web servers may be providing the exact same service, each serving different kinds of resources or some combination of both. They may employ the HTTP protocol to perform the role of a standard web server, but they can also incorporate application server protocols like FastCGI. You can create reverse proxy servers to direct clients to certain servers based on the resource being requested or to follow certain traffic load rules.




Reverse proxies also benefit from their position in front of web servers by virtue of caching. Large static assets can be set up by caching rules so that they don't have to connect to web servers each time they request. There are solutions providing the option to directly serve static assets, without needing to connect to the web server at all. Additionally, the reverse proxy can handle compressing these assets.




The popular Nginx web server is a reliable reverse proxy option. Although you can utilize it, the Apache web server also comes with reverse proxy capabilities as an additional feature of Apache as opposed to Nginx was originally designed to and concentrates on the reverse proxy feature.



The distinction between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality, and false connections to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing because both types of proxies are able to handle requests as well as respond. Instead, a better way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to take into account the requirements of the application that you are developing.




Reverse proxy can be useful in the development of solutions to run web applications on the internet. They are your web servers in any interactions on the web.




Forward proxy applications are useful when they are used in front of clients for personal use or in a workplace setting. They represent your client's internet traffic, for any online interaction.




The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on similar naming conventions will make it easier to avoid confusion.



Conclusion



In this article, we clarified the definition of a proxy with the two most common kinds of them being the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications as well as a look at positive characteristics were utilized to define forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested to learn more about implementation of proxies check out our guide on how to set up Nginx to act as an Internet server, and reverse proxy on Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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