"proxy" is a term used to describe a server "proxy" refers to a proxy often referred to as proxy server software that serves to act as an intermediary for client and server via the internet. Without a proxy, a client could send a request to the server directly and the server will serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this method is easy to understand and use, proxies can provide advantages such as more performance, privacy and security, and so on. As a pass-through layer the proxy serves as a shield to the internet between users and servers.

The general set of server hardware that is paired with the software for proxy installation is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers which are generally considered to be software and specifically, in relation to servers for web. This article will give a synopsis of the two principal kinds of proxy servers: a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misinterpreted due to the common terminology.

This article will give you an idea of the what proxies as well as their subtypes and ways that they can prove useful in a variety of configurations. If you go through this article, you'll discover the circumstances in which using proxies can be advantageous, and determine the most appropriate alternative between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any given situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

A forward proxy, also known as the open proxy is the representative of the client who is trying to send an internet request to a server that is the source. In this case every request made from the user's side will be handled by forward proxy. This forward proxy in place of the client examines the request. Then, it will decide whether the client is allowed to transmit requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it will decide whether to reject the request or forward it to the source server. The client isn't able to establish a direct connection with the Internet. It can only reach what forward proxy allows for it to reach.

The most common reason to utilize forward proxy servers is to increase security or privacy when surfing the internet. A forward proxy can be used to access the internet rather than clients, and in this process, it uses an alternative IP address to the IP address used by the client.

Depending on how it's been setup, and based on the way it's set up forward proxy could offer a range of functions that allow users to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
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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 used for security systems which are centralized and accessible based on permissions, like in a workplace. In the event that all internet traffic goes through an open forward proxy layer an administrator could limit access for only a select group of internet users and be filtered by an common firewall. Instead of creating security firewalls on the layer that is used by clients that can be utilized by a number of computers that have different kinds of environments, it is possible to set up a firewall located at the layer that forwards proxy traffic.

Be aware that forward proxy servers require manual configuration to be utilized, whereas reverse proxy servers can remain unnoticed by clients. Based on whether or not your IP address a user is relayed to the server of origin through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or not.

There are many options to consider for forward proxy services.

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  Apache An open-source, well-known web server with forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Squid is a free forward proxy which uses an HTTP protocol. It's not part of the whole web server. Learn more about how to configure Squid proxy to permit private connections to Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP which allows it to be more suitable for applications such as peer-to -peer traffic. It is also possible to know how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy serves as an agent for a web server which processes requests from customers for its behalf. The server could be either a single or multiple servers. It could also be an application server, like Gunicorn. In either case it is possible to send a request through the internet generally. Typically, the request is sent directly to the server hosting the information that the client requires of. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that isolates this webserver from all direct interactions with the public internet.

From the perspective from the client's point of view the process of utilizing reverse proxy is not different than working with the server by itself. It's the exact same thing, however the client can't discern the difference. Client makes a request for the resource and is then supplied with it, without any additional configuration needed for the customer.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  The server for the web is secure centrally.
  
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  The direction of traffic coming in is by rules you have set.
  
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  A new feature to cache is now available.
  
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While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this benefit only to the server layer, not the client layer. instead of the maintenance of firewalls on the server level that could include several servers, each with different configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of working with a firewall and connecting with client requests away from web servers allows the firewall to focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.

In the event that there's multiple servers being hosted by a reverse proxy, it is accountable for the way requests are routed at the server that is hosting them. Many web servers may be providing the same service, offering different types of resource or a combination of the two. The servers could use their HTTP protocol to perform the role of a web server in the traditional sense, however, they may also incorporate applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can also set up reverse proxy settings to send users to a specific server based on the resource requested, or to adhere to specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies may also profit by their positioning before web servers by offering caching capabilities. Large static assets may be configured by caching rules to ensure that web servers are not hit each time you request. There are options that allow you to serve directly static files without having to connect with the server on any manner. Additionally, reverse proxy can manage compressing these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server functions as a reliable reverse proxy solution. While Apache can also be a reverse proxy service it is not the only one. Apache web server comes outfitted with reverse proxy feature which is an additional option that is accessible to Apache however Nginx was originally designed specifically for reverse proxy capabilities.

The difference between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations

Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality and misleading analogies to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels could be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with the processing of requests and replies. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to study the requirements of the application you're developing.

A reverse proxy can be helpful in the development of a solution to deliver web-based applications on the internet. They act as your web servers when you use the internet.

Forward proxy is helpful when you are to present your customers' information to use for personal purposes or in a professional setting. They act as your client's proxy when you interact with the internet.

Differentiating by case of use instead of focusing solely on the common naming conventions will help you avoid confusion.

Conclusion

This article explains the meaning of a proxy with two kinds: forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical examples of use and a review of the beneficial features were used to differentiate forward proxies from reverse proxies. If you're keen to learn more about the use of proxy servers, you should check out our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as a reverse proxy using Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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