proxy is also referred to as a proxy is also known for its role as a proxy server software that sits acting as an intermediary between server and client on the internet. Without proxy servers, users could send a request for any resource directly to the server, and then the server will give the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple method to understand and use, however, the addition of proxy servers can offer advantages in terms of more performance, privacy, security, and much more. In addition to offering a security layer, a proxy acts as a guardian for the internet between users and servers.

It is generally accepted that the combined bundle of server hardware with an installed software proxy is commonly referred to as a proxy server. In this article, we'll concentrate on proxies that are typically classified as software, and also in the context of web servers. We will provide a description of the two primary types of proxies: that is the forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type of proxy has its own unique usage situation, and is frequently not understood due to the common naming convention.

This article will give you some understanding about what proxies and their subtypes are, and how they can be beneficial in various configurations. In this guide, you'll be able to recognize the situations where the use of proxies is advantageous, and then make the best alternative between forward and reverse proxy depending on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

A forward proxy also referred to by the name of the open proxy acts as an agent for an individual trying to connect via the internet to a source server. In this situation, any attempt to send a request by the client will be sent through an forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in place of the client is able to examine the request. It first decides if the client has been granted permission to accept requests from this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either refuse requests or redirect them to the original server. It's not able directly connect with the Internet. It only has access to what the forward proxy enables it access to.

A typical use of forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security while online. The forward proxy is connected to the internet as a client, and during this process, it uses an alternate IP address for the IP address of your client.

Depending on how it has been configured in accordance with the method it was set up, forward proxy may provide a variety of functions, allowing you to:

• 
  
• 
  Avoid tracking ads.
  
• 
  
• 
  Circumvent surveillance.
  
• 
  
• 
  You can identify restrictions based upon your geolocation.
  
• 
  

Forward proxies are also employed in systems that provide central security and access through permissions, like in a workplace. All internet traffic can pass through an open forward proxy. administrators can grant access only to specific individuals to access the web, which is blocked by the typical firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on this layer of client, which could be used by several computers that have different types of environments and users A firewall can be placed at this forward proxy layer.

Be aware that forward proxy servers have to be manually setup in order to allow them to be used however reverse proxy servers will not be detected by the user. Based on the fact that an IP address from the client is sent to the origin server through the forward proxy Privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept secret.

There are many possibilities to think about in the case of forward proxy services.

• 
  
• 
  Apache: A popular open-source web server that offers forward proxy features.
  
• 
  
• 
  Nginx: Another well-known open source web server with forward proxy functions.
  
• 
  
• 
  Squid: An free forward proxy that makes use of an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the complete web server. This is a step-by-step tutorial to set up Squid proxy for connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
• 
  
• 
  Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP which makes it more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to look into the steps to install an Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
• 
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is an intermediary for a web server, handling any requests that come in from clients its place. The server could function as a one server, or multiple servers. Additionally, it can include an application servers, like Gunicorn. In any case it is possible to get an inquiry from a client through the internet at large. Most of the time the request will be sent directly to the server that hosts the information the customer is seeking. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that blocks your website server from communicating with the web's public.

From the point of perspective, which is also an individual's view, interacting via reverse proxy isn't any different from interacting with the server in its own. It's functionally identical to Web server and user isn't able to tell the distinction. The client can request the resource, and is then given it, with no extra configuration required from the user.

Reverse proxies grant features like:

• 
  
• 
  Security centralized on webservers.
  
• 
  
• 
  Controlling traffic coming in based on rules you can make.
  
• 
  
• 
  A new feature for caching has been added.
  
• 
  

While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy services, reverse-proxies perform this for the web server layer but not the client layer. Instead of implementing firewalls at the web servers that may contain multiple servers with various configurations, the bulk of the firewall security is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, getting rid of the necessity of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with requests from clients without web servers lets them focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers being hosted through reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also is responsible for directing the requests towards which servers. Multiple servers may be providing the exact same service, but offering different kinds of resources, or perhaps a mix of the two. They may use the HTTP protocol similar to an ordinary web server however, they could also be outfitted with applications server protocols such as FastCGI. You can create a reverse proxy to direct customers to specific server depending on the resource they are looking for or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxy systems can also profit from their placement on top of web servers through the caching feature. Large static assets can be set up using caching rules to avoid hitting web servers with every request. Some applications allow you to serve static content directly, without needing to connect to a web server in any way. Additionally the reverse proxy can be used to handle compression of these files.

The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a well-known reverse proxy solution. While it's certain that Apache web server does have reverse proxy function, it's a different option for Apache as opposed to Nginx was originally designed to focus on reverse proxy capabilities.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are both associated with an impression of directionality, they can lead to inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic. These labels can confuse because each type of proxy handles requests and responses. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to take into account the needs of the application you're developing.

Reverse proxy is an important element when designing a solution to deliver web-based applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers for any interaction on the internet.

Forward proxy applications can be advantageous when displayed in front of clients for personal use, or even in a working environment. They are a representation of the traffic of your client when you use the internet.

A case-based approach to distinction instead of focusing only on naming conventions that are commonplace will help you not get confused.

Conclusion

The article outlined what an "proxy" is with the two primary kinds being forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a discussion of beneficial features was used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested exploring how to use proxies, read our guide on how to configure Nginx as a webserver and reverse proxy for Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.