"proxy" is a term used to describe a server "proxy" refers to the idea of a proxy often referred to as proxy server software that functions to act as an intermediary for a server and a client via the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users can send a request for an item directly to a server and the server will serve direct to the requester. While this approach is straightforward to comprehend and implement, adding proxies offers benefits such as increased 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 combination of server hardware and the software used to install proxy is often known as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are usually described as software specifically in relation with web server. We will present a summary of the two primary types of proxies: that is forward proxy and reverse proxy. forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own application scenario, which is often misinterpreted due the overlapping terms.

This article will give you an understanding of what proxies as well as their subtypes are and the ways that they can prove useful in various configurations. If you read this article, you'll be able to recognize situations where using proxies can be advantageous, and determine the best option between forward proxy and reverse proxy for a particular scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

A forward proxy, also referred to as an open proxy, acts as the representative of the client who is trying to send an internet request to a server that is the source. In this situation, any attempt to send a request by the user will be sent via the forward proxy. The forward proxy, in the place of the client examines the request. Then, it will decide whether the client is allowed to make requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it will decide whether to reject the request or transfer it on to the source server. The client is not able to establish a direct connection to the internet. It can only connect to the internet that the forward proxy allows it to connect to.

The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy servers is to increase privacy or security while using the internet. A forward proxy is able to access the internet instead of a client, and in this process, it uses an alternative IP address to the IP address used by the client.

Depending on how it's been set up depending on how it's set up, forward proxy may offer a range of functions that allow you to:

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  Beware of Ad-trackers.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  You can determine restrictions based on your geographical place of residence.
  
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Forward proxies can also be used for security systems that are centralized and have access based on permissions, like at a workplace. If all internet traffic goes through a common forward proxy layer an administrator can restrict access to only a select group of users to the internet and be filtered by the common firewall. Instead of establishing security firewalls on the layer that is used by clients that can be utilized by a number of computers that have different environments and types of users you can set up a firewall located at the front proxy layer.

It is important to note that forward proxies must be manually configured for use before they can be used, while reverse proxies can be hidden from the view of clients. Based on the fact that an IP address belonging to the user is relayed to an server that originated it through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may 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 that comes with forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver which comes with forward proxy features.
  
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  Squid: A free forward proxy that works with an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the whole web server. Learn more about how to set up Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP which is more appropriate for use instances like peer-to-peer traffic. You may also want to know how to configure Dante proxy to allow private connections with Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an intermediary for server on the internet, which handles requests from customers on behalf of. It could represent one or more servers. It could also serve as an app server such as Gunicorn. In any case the request will be made through the internet generally. The request is typically sent directly to the server which hosts the resources that the client requires of. A reverse proxy is a intermediary, and separates Web servers from any direct interactions with the web's public.

From the point of view from the client's point of view the procedure of using reverse proxy is not different from interacting with the server on its own. It's the exact same thing, however the client is unable to see the difference. Client makes a request for the resource and then receives it, without additional configuration required for the customer.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  The web server is protected centrally.
  
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  Traffic coming into your site is routed according to the rules you establish.
  
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  A new feature for caching has been added.
  
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While central security is a benefit offered by both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this benefit only to the server layer, they do not offer this feature to clients. In lieu of maintaining firewalls on the server level which could contain multiple servers, each with different configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is concentrated at the reverse proxy level. In addition, removing the responsibility of communicating with firewalls and interacting to client requests off web servers allows the firewall to concentrate on providing the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers hosted within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy is accountable for the way requests are routed at the server that is hosting them. Many web servers may be offering the same service, but offering different kinds of resources, or a mix of both. The servers could use the HTTP protocol to function as a standard web server, however they can also use protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can also set up reverse proxy settings to send users to specific servers depending on the resource being requested or to abide by specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies also gain by their positioning in front of web servers, by providing caching capabilities. Large static assets may be configured with caching rules in order to ensure that web servers are not hit each time you request. There are options that allow you to serve directly static assets, without connecting to the web server in any way. Furthermore, the reverse proxy is capable of compressing these assets.

The renowned Nginx web server also functions as a powerful reverse proxy option. Even though Apache can also be a reverse proxy service it is not the only one. Apache web server comes equipped with a reverse proxy feature which is a option that is accessible to Apache However, Nginx was initially designed specifically for reverse proxy capabilities.

The distinction in Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations

Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, and false analogies to "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic These labels could be confusing because both kinds of proxy servers handle the processing of requests and replies. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to study the requirements of the program you're creating.

Reverse proxy can be useful in the development of a method to connect web applications to the internet. They are your web servers whenever you use the internet.

Forward proxy can be beneficial when they are used in front of customers for your personal use or in a professional setting. They are your client's proxy when you interact with the internet.

Distinguishing by use case instead of focusing solely on naming conventions that are commonplace can assist you in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article will explain what a proxy is with two types: reverse proxy and forward proxy. Practical examples of its use and a review of the advantageous characteristics were used to differentiate forward proxies from reverse proxies. If you're looking to know more about proxy servers, you should check out our tutorial on how you can configure Nginx as a reverse proxy by using Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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