A proxy, also known as a proxy also referred to a proxy server is software which functions as mediator between a client and server on the internet. Without a proxy, a client will send a request directly to a server and it would serve that resource to its user directly. While this procedure is easy to comprehend and implement using proxy servers, it could bring benefits in the form of increased performance and privacy, security and much more. In addition to providing a layer of protection, a proxy acts as a guardian for the internet between servers and clients.

The general combination of server hardware with installed proxy software is commonly referred to as a proxy server. In this post, we'll examine proxy servers which are usually defined as software, and within the context of web servers. We will provide a description of the two primary types of proxy servers: a forward proxy as well as a reverse proxy. Each type has a different use case, often confused due to the similar naming convention.

This article will give you an understanding of types of proxy services and what their subtypes are as well as their value in standard setups. Through this article, you'll be able to understand what circumstances in which an effective proxy could be useful, and choose the correct option between forward and reverse proxy, based on the circumstances.

Understanding Forward Proxies

A forward proxy, sometimes called an open proxy serves as an intermediary between a client that is trying to connect via the internet to an source server. In this case every attempt to send requests made by the client will be directed straight via forward-proxy. A forward proxy acting in the place of the client will scrutinize the request. It will first decide if the client's permitted to receive requests from this particular forward proxy. It will then deny any request, or redirect it to the original server. The client has no direct access to the internet. It can access only the web pages that forward proxy gives its access.

One of the most popular applications of forward proxies is to gain greater privacy or security when using the internet. Forward proxy utilizes the internet as the client, and in the process, it will use an alternate IP address in addition to the original IP address of the client.

Based on how it is configured based on the configuration forward proxy can provide different features depending on how it is configured that allow users to:

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  Stay clear of tracking ads.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  You can identify restrictions based upon your geographical location.
  
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Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that provide centralized security as well as permission-based access, like at the workplace. All internet traffic can pass through a forward proxy that is open, administrators can limit access to specific clients on the internet that is protected by a common firewall. As opposed to having firewalls installed for the client layer that can include multiple devices that have different configurations and users it is possible to install an firewall that is located in the front proxy layer.

Note the forward proxy setting should be set manually for be used, however reverse proxies will be disregarded from the clients. Depending on whether an IP address belonging to the user is sent to the server where it originated by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a variety of alternatives to think about when it comes to forward proxy options:

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  Apache is a well-known open source web server, which provides forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source server used for web hosting with forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Squid: A free forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. It's not the whole web server. Read our guide on how you can install Squid proxy for private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante is a forward-looking proxy, which utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it better suitable for peer-to-peer communication. You might also want to look at how you can create a Dante proxy for connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy functions as the web server that handles all requests received from customers on behalf of. The web server could be a single, or multiple servers. It could also be an application server such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios, the request for an application is received from a user via the internet. In most cases requests are sent directly to the server along with the information that the user is seeking. However, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, and separates your server from interaction with the open internet.

From the perspective of the individual client's viewpoint the procedure of using reverse proxy is similar to connecting to a Web server through direct contact. It's the same process, and the client cannot discern the distinction. The client makes a request for an item, and it is followed by its receipt with no additional configurations required for the user.

Reverse proxies provide options like:

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  A central layer of security to guard the server.
  
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  Incoming traffic is directed upon rules that you can determine.
  
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  New functionality added for caching.
  
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Although centralized security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy, reverse proxies apply this function to just the layer of web servers but not to the client layer. In lieu of focussing on maintenance of firewalls at the web server layer, which could contain multiple servers and various configurations, most of the firewall security is aimed at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of communicating with firewalls and communicating with clients who are far from web servers allows them to focus on serving the requirements of their customers.

In the event of multiple servers that are connected via a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also is responsible for directing what requests go via which server. There may be several web servers providing the same content, and each providing different types of services or a mixture of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol that is a standard web server, but they can also incorporate different protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can also set up reverse proxy servers to redirect users to a specific server based on the service requested, or to follow specific guidelines for the amount of traffic.

Reverse proxies may benefit from their location over web servers, as they have the ability to store data. Large static assets can be configured with caching policies to avoid the web server from being hit with every request. Some solutions providing the option to directly serve static assets without contacting Web servers in any form. Additionally, the reverse proxy can manage compressing these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy service. While there is an equivalent feature available within the Apache web server, it does include reverse proxy functions as an added option that is accessible for Apache however Nginx was designed originally for and is focused on the reverse proxy feature.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases

Since "forward" in addition to "reverse" are associated with directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic The labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxies process requests and responses. Better yet, the best method to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy is to study the specifications of the application you're creating.

A reverse proxy can be beneficial when you are developing an application that can serve web applications online. They act as your web servers whenever you connect to the internet.

Forward proxy can be useful when placed in front of customers for your personal use or in a work environment. They represent your client traffic in any interactions with the internet.

The use of case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the commonly used naming conventions can help in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified what a proxy is and the two primary types of proxy: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a discussion of the benefits were used to identify forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're looking to know more about how proxies are implemented, you can check out our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as reverse proxy and webserver proxy using Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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