The term "proxy" refers to a proxy is also referred to as proxy server software that serves to act as an intermediary between a client and server via the internet. Without an intermediary the client would a request the resource directly to the server and the server will serve the requested resource directly to the user. While this process is simple to grasp and use using proxies, it can provide benefits such as more speed and privacy, and many other. Apart from providing a layer of security, proxies act as a safeguard for the internet between clients and servers.




In general, the bundled package of servers that have installed proxy software is often referred in the context of proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are traditionally referred to as software and within the context of web servers. We will provide a brief overview of the two principal types: one is forward proxy and the other being a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct use, which could be confusing due to the similar name-based convention.




This article will equip you with the understanding of what proxy services and their subtypes, and the ways they can be useful for common setups. In this article you'll be aware of the situations in which you can benefit by a proxy, and select the best option the case of forward or reverse proxy for any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy, also referred to in the context of being an open proxy, also known as an open is the representative of a customer who would like to transmit requests via the internet to a server that initiated it. In this case, it's the situation that all requests received from the client will be directed straight through forward proxy. This forward proxy acting in place that of the customer, is able to take a look at the request. In the beginning, it will determine whether the client is authorized to submit requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it can either refuse requests or redirect them to the origin server. The client isn't able to have an internet connection directly; it will only be allowed to access information that the forward proxy enables it to connect to.




One of the most popular reasons for using forward proxy is the need for greater security or privacy online. Forward proxy can access the internet as a client, and in this process, it uses another IP address, in contrast to your client's IP address.




Depending on how it's been set up depending on the way it has been configured forward proxy could perform a variety of tasks as well as the ability to:




Beware of Ad-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine restrictions based upon your geolocation.




Forward proxies also are employed in systems that provide central security and access is based on permissions, for example at work. If all internet traffic flows via an open forward proxy an administrator could restrict access to certain clients to the internet through an common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls for the client layer, which can include multiple machines that have different configurations and user the firewall can be installed on the forward proxy layer.




Be aware that forward proxies must be manually set up to work and reverse proxies could go unnoticed by the client. Based on the kind of IP address the client that is transferred to the server from which it originated through forward proxy privacy and anonymity could be granted or not.




There are numerous options to investigate for forward proxies:




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


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


Squid: An Open Source Forward Proxy using an HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire website server program. It is possible to refer to our instructions on how to setup Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP and is better suited for certain scenarios like peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to learn how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy serves as an agent for a server on the internet and takes care of any requests that come in from clients. The web server can serve as a one server or multiple servers. It could also function as an application server such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations, a request would come from a user who is on the internet in general. The majority of the time the request will be directed directly to the web server that holds all the information the user is seeks. However, a reverse proxy serves as an intermediary that shields the webserver from direct contact with the open internet.




From the perspective of an individual or user's perspective the procedure of using reverse proxy isn't any different from working with the website server in direct contact. It's functionally the same however the client cannot tell the distinction. The client sends a request for an item, and it is then received, with no additional configuration needed on the part of the client.




Reverse proxy proxies can provide options, such as:




Security centralized for web servers.


Controlling traffic inbound according to rules you can set up.


The caching feature has been added to the app.




While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy solutions, reverse proxy providers provide this benefit to Web layer servers and not to the client layer. instead of having to maintain firewalls at Web server layers, which can comprise multiple servers that have different configurations, the majority of the firewall security is aimed at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, removing the obligation of interfacing with a firewall and responding to requests from clients off of web servers lets them concentrate on delivering resources.




In the case of multiple servers operating behind a reverse proxy it also manages how requests are routed the correct server. Many web servers may be offering the identical service, but each one serving different kinds of resources or a combination of both. They may employ their HTTP protocol to perform the role of a standard web server, but can also include applications server protocols such as FastCGI. You can create reverse proxy services to redirect customers to a specific server based on the resource being requested or to adhere to specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also benefit from their placement before web servers through the capability of caching. The large static files can be set up by caching rules so that they don't have to communicate with web servers each time they request. There are solutions providing the possibility of serving directly static assets without having to connect to a web server in any way. Additionally, the reverse proxy could handle the compression of the assets.




The popular Nginx web server can be described as an efficient reverse proxy service. You can also use the Apache web server, it also comes with reverse proxy capabilities as an additional feature of Apache as opposed to Nginx was originally designed to and focuses on reverse proxy functionality.



The distinction between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use. The difference between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use



Because "forward" or "reverse" have connotations of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing as both types of proxies can handle requests as well as responses. Instead, a better way to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy services is to take into account the requirements of the app that you are developing.




A reverse proxy is useful when you're developing solutions to run websites on the internet. They are your web servers in any interactions with the internet.




Forward proxy applications can be useful when they are they are used to block the client for your personal use or in a workplace setting. They can be used to represent your client's internet traffic, for any online interaction.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the identical naming conventions will help you avoid confusion.



Conclusion



The article clarified meaning of a proxy, with the two main types of them being the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and a glance at positive characteristics were utilized for the definition of forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about implementation of proxies take a look at our tutorial on how to set up Nginx in a reverse proxy and internet-based server for Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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