The word "proxy" is a reference to a proxy or proxy server. A proxy server is an application which functions as mediator between a client and server via the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, users could submit a request for the resource directly to a server and the server would provide direct access to that resource. Although this approach is simple to understand and apply using proxy servers, it could provide advantages in terms of improved performance, privacy, security, and more. In addition, a passing through, proxies serve as a security safeguard for the internet between servers and clients.

In general, the mix of hardware for servers and proxy software is generally referred to as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxies which are usually described as software as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide an explanation of two main types: that is a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind of proxy has its own scenario, which is often confused due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will give you the understanding of what proxies and subtypes are and what they can accomplish in commonly used configurations. After having read this article, you'll be able to determine the scenarios where using proxies can be advantageous, and then choose the best choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any given situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy also referred to by the name of the open proxy is an agent for the user trying to send an internet request to an source server. In this scenario, the entire effort to send requests made by the client is directed via the forward proxy. Forward proxy acting in the place of the client will review the request. It first decides if clients are authorized to make requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then either deny requests or redirect them to the original server. The client does not have an internet connection directly. It can access only the information that forward proxy enables it to connect to.

The most common reason to utilize forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security online. Forward proxy connects to internet instead of the client. In this process, it uses an IP address that is distinct from the IP address of the client.

Based on how it has been configured, the forward proxy will provide many functions, based on the configuration that allows you to:

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  Beware of Ad-trackers.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find restrictions based on your location.
  
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Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that offer security centrally and access based on permissions like in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy, the administrator can limit access to only certain clients accessing the internet, which is blocked by the standard firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls at this layer of clients that can include multiple devices with different settings and users, the firewall can be set up at the layer that forwards proxy traffic.

It is important to be aware of the fact that forward proxy servers require manual configuration to be used, while reverse proxies can be ignored by the client. Based on the type of IP address the user's IP address, the server that originated it through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a variety of options to consider when it comes to forward proxy choices:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy features.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open source web server that has the ability to forward-proxy.
  
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  Squid is a forward-proxy open source that uses an HTTP protocol. It isn't part of the full web server system. There is a video tutorial on how you can set up Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better to handle situations like peer-to-peer communication. It is also possible to discover how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is the agent of a web server which handles incoming requests from customers for. The web server can comprise a single server, or a number of servers. It may also act for application servers, for instance Gunicorn. The request will come via the internet in general. Most of the time, requests will then be made straight to the webserver that hosts the resources that the user wants. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary and separates this webserver from direct interactions with the internet's open.

From the viewpoint of a user, the experience of using reverse proxy isn't any different from interacting with your webserver directly. It's basically the same, but the client can't recognize the difference. The client sends a request for an item and receives it, with no additional configuration needed for the customer.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Security centralized on webservers.
  
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  Direction of the traffic incoming based on rules that you set up.
  
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  The caching feature has been added to the app.
  
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While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers. Reverse proxy servers provide this benefit to only the server layer, and not the layer that clients use. instead of the maintenance of firewalls at the web servers layer that may contain multiple servers with various configurations, the bulk in firewall protection is concentrated in the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the ease of dealing with firewalls and dealing with requests from clients without web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.

In the event that there's a multitude of servers running in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is also responsible for directing which requests are directed to which servers. There could be several web servers providing the exact same service, but providing different types of resources or a combination of both. They can utilize their HTTP protocol to operate as a normal web server, however they may also be equipped with applications server protocols such as FastCGI. There is the possibility to create a reverse proxy that redirects users to certain servers according to the requested resource, or to adhere to certain rules regarding the amount of traffic.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their positioning on top of web servers by offering the ability to cache information. The large static files can be configured with caching rules to avoid the web server from being hit with each request. Certain solutions allow users to upload static files without needing to connect to a servers in any manner. Additionally, reverse proxy is able to handle compressing these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server can also function as an extremely popular reverse proxy solution. Even though Apache is also a reverse proxy service however, the Apache web server comes with reverse proxy capability as an added option for Apache and Nginx was originally designed and focused exclusively on its reverse proxy function.

Distinguishing the use of forward and reverse proxy Examples

Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic and can be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with requests and responses. A better approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to examine the specifications of the application that you're constructing.

A reverse proxy can be helpful in the design of a method to offer web-based applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers when you are on the web.

Forward proxy is useful when it is placed in front of customers to use for personal purposes, or in a work setting. They are a representation of the traffic of your client when you interact with the internet.

The use of case-based distinction instead of focusing on the most common naming conventions can help in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

The article delineated the definition of a proxy by comparing the two primary types that are forward as well as the reverse one. Practical examples of use as well as a discussion of most beneficial features were used to distinguish between forward and reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the advantages for proxy servers follow our guide on how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy for Apache on Ubuntu 20.04. Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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