An proxy or proxy server is software that sits as an intermediary between a client and server on the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users could send a request for an item directly a server, and then the server would serve that resource to its user directly. While this is a simple method to comprehend and utilize, using proxies has advantages such as increased performance, privacy and security, among other things. As an additional layer of moving through, proxies serve as a security layer to the internet between servers and users.

In general, the combined combination of server hardware and the software used to install proxy services is usually called proxy servers. But, this article will concentrate on proxy servers that are usually described as software as and those utilized to complement web servers. We will give a synopsis of the two primary kinds of proxy servers, namely they are one that is forward and the reverse proxy. Each has its own usage which may be confusing due to the same terminology.

This article will provide you with an idea of the what proxies and their subtypes are, as well as their value in a variety of configurations. After reading this article, you'll be aware of how to identify the scenarios where proxies are advantageous, and decide on the best option for forward proxy or reverse proxy depending on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also referred to as an open proxy is a proxy for a client that attempts to connect online to a server. In this situation the entire attempt to send requests from the client is instead directed by the forward-proxy. The forward proxy, acting in lieu of the user, will review the request. First, it will verify if the client has been authorized to transmit requests through this specific forward proxy. It then will reject a demand and then forward the request to an original server. The client has no direct access for the web. It is able to access only what the forward proxy allows it access to.

One of the most common uses for forward proxy is increased security or privacy online. The forward proxy can connect to the internet instead of a client, and in this process, it uses an alternate IP address from that of the client's original IP address.

Based on the way it has been set up in accordance with the way it was configured, a forward proxy could provide a variety of functions dependent on the way it's configured. This allows you to:

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  Avoid ad tracking.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Identify restrictions based on your location.
  
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Forward proxies also are used in systems that use centralized security and based access, for instance in workplaces. When all internet traffic is routed through an common forward proxy layer the administrator can restrict access for only a select set of users to the internet through an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place for the client layer that can comprise a variety of machines that have various environments and users, you can install an firewall that is located in the front proxy layer.

It is important to remember to remember that forward proxy servers need to be set up manually for be used, while reverse proxies may be hidden from clients. Depending on the type of IP address of the client is passed on to the server which created it via forward proxy's privacy and security may be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a myriad of options to be considered for forward proxies:

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  Apache The most well-known open source web server with forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server, which has forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Squid: A free forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete website server software. You can read our instructions on how to configure Squid proxy to permit private connections with Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more suitable for applications like peer-to-peer communication. You can also discover how to set up a Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy functions as an agent for a web server that handles any requests made by clients on behalf of. The web server may comprise a single server or a number of servers. It could also serve as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In any case, the request comes from an internet user generally. Most of the time the request will be sent directly to the server that has all the resources the client in need of. In contrast reverse proxy functions as an intermediary that isolates Web server from direct interaction with the open internet.

From a consumer's point the consumer's perspective, working with reverse proxy is not different from interacting with an internet server direct. It's pretty much the same but the user is unable to discern the distinction. The client requests the resource, and is then granted without extra configuration that must be performed by the customer.

Reverse proxies offer features like:

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  A central layer of security that protects the server.
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you create.
  
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  A new feature to cache is now available.
  
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While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this to only the server layer but not the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers that can include multiple servers and various configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interfacing with firewalls and communicating with requests from clients that are not web servers enables the firewall to concentrate on meeting the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers operating within reverse proxy, it determines which requests are sent to which servers. A number of web servers could be working from the same host, serving different types of resources or a mix of both. These servers utilize the HTTP protocol just like a conventional web server. However, they can be equipped with applications server protocols such as FastCGI. It is possible to configure reverse proxy settings to direct the clients towards specific servers based on the type of resource they're looking for, or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies are also able to gain advantages from their positioning ahead of web servers by providing caching functionality. Large static assets are able to be configured with caching rules so that they do not have to call web servers on every request. Some solutions offering an option to directly serve static files without touching the web server for even one time. Additionally reverse proxy is able to handle compression of these assets.

The popular Nginx web server also functions as an effective reverse proxy solution. Although it is real it's true Apache web server is also fitted with an reverse proxy, it is an additional option for Apache however Nginx was initially designed for and is focused on reverse proxy functionality.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Examples

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" come with connotations of directionality and misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. They can be confusing as both types of proxies handle requests and respond. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy service is to take into account the requirements of the app that you're working on.

Reverse proxy can be useful when you're developing a solution to offer web-based services on the internet. They function as servers when you interact with the Internet.

Forward proxy software is beneficial when it is placed in front of the client for personal use or in a professional setting. They represent your customers when you connect to the internet.

The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on standard naming conventions will assist in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified what a proxy is along with two kinds: forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and an exploration of useful features were utilized to distinguish between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the ways to implement proxies then you should read our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy using Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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