An proxy or proxy server is software that acts as an intermediary between a client and server on the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users would send a request for resources directly a server, and then the server will serve the requested resource directly to the user. This method is simple to comprehend and utilize, using proxies has advantages, such as greater performance, privacy, security, and much more. As an additional layer moving through, proxies serve as a security layer to the internet between servers and users.

It is generally accepted that the combined package of server hardware with the software used to install proxy services is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on the proxy servers which are generally described as software, as well as those employed to complement web servers. This article will provide a brief overview of the two major kinds of proxy servers, namely those that are a one that is forward and a reverse proxy. Each has its own specific usage that can cause confusion due to the same terminology.

This article will give you an understanding of types of proxies and subtypes they are, as well as their utility in a variety of configurations. Through this article, you'll know what situations that a proxy can be advantageous, and decide on the best option for forward or reverse proxy based on the circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known in the context of open proxy. An open proxy serves as a representative for a client who attempts to connect online to an source server. In this situation the entire attempt to send requests from the client will be controlled by the forward proxy. A forward-proxy, acting in lieu of the user will review the request. It will first verify if the client has been granted permission to send requests through this specific forward proxy. It then will reject a demand and then forward the request to an source server. The client is not able to have direct connection to the internet. It is able to access only the information that the forward proxy permits the client to connect.

A common use case of forward proxies is to provide greater security or privacy online. Forward proxy connects to internet instead of a client, and as a result, it uses an alternate IP address that is different from the client's original IP address.

Based on the way it has been set up in accordance with the configuration, forward proxy may offer a variety of features depending on how it's configured, which allows users to:

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  Avoid ad tracking.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find out the restrictions that apply to your location.
  
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Forward proxies also are used in systems that rely on central security and permission -based access, like in workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open forward proxy layer, the administrator can limit access to only a small group of users to the internet, which is filtered through an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place for the client layer that could comprise a range of computers with diverse environments and users, it is possible to have an firewall that is located in the front proxy layer.

It is crucial to keep in mind that forward proxy servers need to be set up manually for be utilized, whereas reverse proxy servers can remain unnoticed by clients. Based on the kind of IP address the client is passed on to the server that originated it through the forward proxy, privacy and security can be granted or left hidden.

There are a variety of options to be considered when it comes to forward proxy options:

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  Apache: A popular open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy features.
  
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  Squid: An open-source forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. It doesn't provide a complete web server application. You can read our instructions on how to set-up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP, making it better suited to use in instances such as peer-to -peer traffic. You can also understand how to configure a Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary for a web server that handles the incoming requests of clients on its behalf. The web server may comprise a single server or several servers. In addition, it could be an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any case, the request comes from a user on the internet in general. Most of the time, the request will be made directly to the web server, which is equipped with all the resources that the user is requires. However reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, and separates Web servers and their direct communication with the open internet.

From the consumer's point of perspective, using reverse proxy is not any different than interacting with an online server direct. It's the same thing, and the client cannot discern the distinction. The client requests this resource and then gets it without any additional configuration needed to 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 for caching has been added.
  
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While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies do this only to the server layer, but not the layer that clients use. instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers, which could include multiple servers and various configurations, the majority of security measures for firewalls are targeted towards the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the ease of interfacing with firewalls and communicating with requests from clients that are not web servers allows the firewall to concentrate on addressing the needs of their clients.

In the event of several servers running in reverse proxy, it manages controlling which requests go towards which servers. A number of web servers could be running on the same server and serving different types of resources or a combination of the two. These servers use the HTTP protocol like a traditional web server. However, they could also be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. It is possible to configure reverse proxy settings to direct the clients towards specific servers based on the kind of resource they are seeking, or to adhere to certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also be 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 to avoid having to connect with web servers every time you request. Some solutions offering an option to deliver static files directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. In addition, the reverse proxy can handle compression of these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a powerful reverse proxy solution. Although it is true that the Apache website server also equipped with a reverse proxy which is a different option to Apache but Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on reverse proxy capabilities.

Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Examples

Since "forward" and "reverse" come with connotations of directionality as well as inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. They can be confusing since both types of proxies handle requests and response. A better approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy service is to think about the requirements of the app that you're developing.

A reverse proxy is a great option when you're developing a solution to offer web-based services via the internet. They function as servers for any interaction with the Internet.

Forward proxy applications are beneficial when it is put in front of a user for personal use and in the professional setting. They represent your clients when you connect to the internet.

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

Conclusion

This article defined the definition of a proxy along with two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications and an examination of the benefits were used to distinguish between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the use of proxy servers then you should follow our guide on how to set up Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy with Apache running the Ubuntu 20.04 server.