The term "proxy" refers to a proxy can also be described as proxy server software that serves to act as an intermediary between client and server on the internet. Without a middleman, a customer would make a request the resource directly to a server and the server would serve the resource directly back to the user. Although this procedure is easy to grasp and use, adding proxies provides advantages including increased performance as well as security and privacy and many more. Alongside offering a security layer, proxies act as a safeguard for the internet between users and servers.

In general, the packaged server hardware that includes proxy software is usually referred to by the name proxy servers. But, this article will focus on the proxies that are typically referred to as software and in the context of web servers. We will present a summary of the two main kinds: one being a forward proxy and the other a reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own use, which could be difficult due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will provide readers with the information on the different types of proxy services, their subtypes, and the ways that they can be helpful for common setups. In this article, you'll be able to discern the scenarios that you can gain from a proxy and choose the best option the case of forward or reverse proxy for any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy also known as an open proxy, also known as an open serves as the agent of a client who wishes to send requests via the internet to the server that originated it. In this scenario it is the scenario that all requests made by the client are instead sent directly into the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in the place of the client, will take a look into the request. At first, it will determine whether the client is authorized to submit requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then either deny requests or redirect it to the original server. The client isn't capable of having an internet connection directly; it will only be allowed to access data that forward-proxy enables the client to access.

One popular reason to use forward proxy is the need for greater security or privacy online. Forward proxy is able to access the internet using the client, and in this way, it is using another IP address in comparison to the IP address of your client.

Based on the way it has been configured, based on how it is configured forward proxy can offer a range of functions as well as the ability to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  You can determine limitations based on your location.
  
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Forward proxies are also used in systems of centralized security and access is based on permissions, for example in workplaces. If all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy, an administrator could restrict access to only certain users on the internet using an common firewall. Instead of implementing firewalls on the client layer which could include multiple machines with various configurations and users, a firewall can be placed at the forward proxy layer.

Keep in mind that forward proxy servers must be manually configured to use the reverse proxy, while forward proxies may not be noticed by the user. Based on the type of IP address of the client, when it is sent to the origin server through forward proxy, privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept in the dark.

There are numerous options to consider for forward proxies:

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  Apache The Apache is a popular open-source web server, which offers forward proxy features.
  
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  Nginx A renowned open-source web server with forward proxy capability.
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy using the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete web server application. It is possible to refer to our instructions on how to setup Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP, making it more suitable for use cases such as with peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections with Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an agent to a web server and manages any requests that come in from clients. The web server could serve as a single server, or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could serve as an application server such as Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios the request will come from a user of the internet in general. The majority of the time the request will be directed directly to a web server that holds all the information the user is seeking. In contrast, a reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, protecting the webserver from direct contact with the open internet.

From the user's point of view, the process of using reverse proxy isn't any different than working with the website server in direct contact. It's functionally the same however the client cannot discern the difference. The client makes a request for resources, which is then followed by the receipt of it without any additional configuration required by the client.

Reverse proxy proxies can provide options, such as:

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  Security centralized for web servers.
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound according to rules can be set up.
  
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  The caching functionality has been added to the app.
  
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While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy solutions, reverse proxy providers provide this benefit to Web layer servers and not to the client layer. Instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers which could include multiple servers with different configurations, most of the firewall security is aimed at the reverse proxy layer. In addition, getting rid of the necessity of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with requests from clients via web servers lets them concentrate on delivering resources.

In the event of multiple servers running behind a reverse proxy, it is also able to control the way requests are routed to which server. A number of web servers could be offering the identical service, but each one serving various kinds of resources or a mix of both. They may employ an HTTP protocol to serve as a web server in the traditional sense, but can also include applications server protocols such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy servers to direct clients to certain servers based on the requested resource or to adhere to specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies also can benefit from their position before web servers due to the power of caching. Large static assets can be configured with caching rules to ensure that they do not have to connect to web servers every time they need to make a request. There are solutions providing the possibility of serving directly static assets without needing to connect to a web server at all. Furthermore, reverse proxy can be used to handle compressing these assets.

The popular Nginx web server can be described as an effective reverse proxy solution. While you can use the Apache web server, it also comes with reverse proxy capabilities as an additional function of Apache which is in contrast to Nginx was originally designed to and focuses on the reverse proxy function.

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

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic the labels can be confusing because both kinds of proxy services can handle requests as well as respond. A better approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to look at the needs of the application you're creating.

Reverse proxy can be useful in the development of solutions to run websites on the internet. They serve as your web servers for all interactions on the web.

Forward proxy software is useful when they are employed in front of the client for your personal use, or in a work setting. They are a representation of your client's traffic for any internet-based interaction.

Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the common naming conventions can make it easier to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

In this article, we clarified the meaning of a proxy with the two most common kinds of them being the forward and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and a look at the beneficial traits were used to define forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested in knowing more about implementation of proxies take a look at our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy for Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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