"proxy" is a term used to describe a server "proxy" refers to the notion of a proxy frequently known as proxy servers are software that acts to act as an intermediary for server and a client via the internet. Without a proxy, a client can send a request for an online server and the server will serve direct to the requester. While this approach is straightforward to grasp and use, proxies can provide advantages like more speed and security, privacy, and so on. As a pass-through layer the proxy functions as a guardian to the internet between users and servers.




In general, the set of server hardware coupled with the software to install proxy servers is usually known as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are generally described as software but specifically, in relation with web server. We will present a summary of the two main types of proxies, which is forward proxy and reverse proxy. forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type comes with its own application scenario, which is often misinterpreted due to the overlapping terms.




This article will give you an idea of what proxies as well as their subtypes are and the ways that they can prove useful in various configurations. If you read this article you'll be able to recognize instances where using proxies can be beneficial and identify the most suitable option between forward and reverse proxy for a particular scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy, also referred to as the open proxy serves as the client's representative who is trying to relay a request through the internet to a source server. In this scenario, every request made by the user will be sent via an forward proxy. The forward proxy, taking the place of the client, will examine the request. Then, it will decide whether the client is allowed to transmit requests through this specific forward proxy. Then, it'll orally reject a request and forward it to the server that originated the request. The client isn't able to connect directly to internet. It can only reach what forward proxy allows for it to reach.




The most popular reason to use forward proxies is to gain greater privacy or security while using the internet. A forward proxy can be used to connect to the internet rather than clients, and in this manner, it is using an alternative IP address to the IP address that was originally used by the client.




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




Beware of Ad-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You will be able to identify any restrictions based on your geographical area.




Forward proxies can also be used to secure systems that are centralized and access is based on permissions, such as at a workplace. If all internet traffic flows through a common forward proxy layer an administrator could limit access for only a limited number of internet users, which is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of setting up security firewalls on the layer that is used by clients, which can be used by multiple computers with different settings and types of users, it is possible to set up an firewall that is located in the forward proxy layer.




It is important to note that forward proxy servers require manual configuration to be used, whereas reverse proxies are able to be hidden from the view of clients. Based on the fact that the IP address of the user is relayed back to the server of origin through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity are granted or denied.




There are many alternatives to look into for forward proxies.




Apache An open-source, well-known web server that has forward proxy capability.


Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver which comes with forward proxy features.


Squid: A no-cost forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. It's not part of the whole web server. Check out our instructions on how to set up Squid proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP which makes it more suitable for applications like peer-to-peer traffic. You may also want to know how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an intermediary for web server, which handles requests from customers for its behalf. It could represent either a single or multiple servers. Also, it could serve as an app server like Gunicorn. In either scenario it is possible to send a request via the internet in general. The request is typically sent directly to the web server hosting the information the user is in need of. In contrast, a reverse proxy is a intermediary that isolates Web servers from any direct interaction with the public internet.




From the perspective of the individual client's point of view the procedure of using reverse proxy is the same than interacting with the server on its own. It's the same, but the client can't discern the distinction. Client makes a request for the resource and is then provided with it, without additional configuration required from the user.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




The server for the web is secure centrally.


Traffic coming into your site is routed according to the rules you establish.


A new feature to cache is now available.




While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers. However, reverse proxies provide this feature to only the server layer and they do not offer this feature to clients. In lieu of the maintenance of firewalls at the server level which could contain multiple servers, each with different configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is concentrated in the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the responsibility of communicating with firewalls and connecting to client requests off web servers allows the firewall to focus on meeting the requirements of their clients.




In the event that there's multiple servers located within a reverse proxy this reverse proxy will be responsible for how requests are routed at which server. Many web servers may be providing the same service, offering various kinds of resources or a mix of both. These servers may use an HTTP protocol to perform the role of a web server in the traditional sense, but can also include protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can also set up a reverse proxy to direct users to a specific server based on the resource requested, or to adhere to certain guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position prior to web servers by offering caching capabilities. Large static assets can be set using caching rules to avoid hitting web servers each time you request. There are solutions allowing users to serve static assets, without connecting directly to web servers in any form. In addition, the reverse proxy is capable of compressing these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as a reliable reverse proxy option. Although Apache is also a reverse proxy solution however, the Apache web server is also equipped with a reverse proxy feature which is a feature available to Apache However, Nginx was initially designed to and concentrates specifically on reverse proxy capabilities.



The distinction is between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Cases



Because "forward" and "reverse" come with connotations of directionality and misleading comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels could be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with requests and responses. An alternative method to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to analyze the specifications of the application you're developing.




A reverse proxy is useful in the development of an application that connects web-based applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers when you interact using the internet.




Forward proxy is useful when used to present your customers' information for your personal use or in an office setting. They act as your client's proxy when you are on the internet.




Distinguishing by use case instead of focusing solely on the common naming conventions will aid in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article explains the meaning of a proxy with two types: forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical examples of its use and a brief overview of useful features were used to differentiate forward proxies from reverse proxies. If you're looking to know more about the use of proxy servers, you should read our guide on how to configure Nginx as reverse proxy with Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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