A proxy also referred to a proxy server software which serves as an intermediary between a client and server over the internet. Without proxy servers, a user could make a request for servers directly and servers would provide the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxies can provide benefits like improved performance as well as privacy, security and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through proxy servers act as a gatekeeper of the internet between servers and clients.

Generally speaking, the bundled set of server hardware along with installed proxy software is commonly referred as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are usually regarded as software, and as in the context of web servers. The article will provide a description of the two primary kinds of proxy servers, which include a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different use case, often confused because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.

This article will provide an idea of different types of proxy services and what their subtypes, as well as how they can be beneficial for the common setups. If you read the article carefully, you'll be able to recognize situations where it's beneficial to utilize proxy services and make the right choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy, also known by the name of or an open proxy is the client's representative in making an internet request to an the server which made it. In this scenario any attempts to send requests by the user will be directed directly through the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy acting instead of the client will scrutinize the request. It will first determine whether the client can send requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it can either reject requests or redirect them to the server it originated from. The client is not allowed an internet connection directly. It is only able to access what forward proxy allows the client to access.

The primary reason people use forward proxies is to gain greater privacy or anonymity on internet. Forward proxy makes use of the internet in lieu of an individual client and, in doing so it can use an alternative IP address that is different from the original IP address that is used by the client.

Depending on how it's been set up, a forward proxy can provide a variety of functions and allow you to:

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  Beware of ads that track you.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Establish restrictions based upon the place of residence.
  
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Forward proxies may also be utilized in systems that provide centralized security and access that is based upon permissions, like in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy layer, the administrator is able to permit only a few clients connection to internet via an ordinary firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls at the client layer that could include a variety of machines with different settings and users, it is possible to set up an firewall installed on the front proxy layer.

Note that forward proxies must be manually set up in order to permit their use, whereas reverse proxies can be ignored by clients. Based on the type of IP address of a user is sent to the source server through the forward proxy, privacy and security may be granted or not.

There are many options to consider for forward proxies.

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy features.
  
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  Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver that includes forward proxy functions.
  
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  Squid is an Open Source Forward Proxy that makes use of the HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include an entire website server program. We have a tutorial on how you can set up Squid proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante: a forward proxy that runs the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP in order to be better suited for cases such as peer-to-peer communication. You might also wish to learn how to create the Dante proxy that allows private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is an agent for a web server, handling any requests that come in from clients on its behalf. The web server can comprise a server or multiple servers. It could also function as an application server, like Gunicorn. In any of these situations the request will be made by a user through the web at large. In the majority of cases it is transmitted directly to the website server that hosts the information the client is seeking. Reverse proxy serves as a middleman to shield Web servers from direct interaction with the public internet.

From a consumer's point of the client's point of view the use of reverse proxy is not any different from working with Web server in direct contact. It's basically the same thing, however clients aren't able tell the distinction. Client makes request for the resource and it gets it without any additional configuration needed by the client.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  A central layer of security to protect the server.
  
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  Controlling traffic coming inbound on rules you can define.
  
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  New feature added to caching.
  
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Although central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the layer of the webserver and not the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls on the server level, which could contain multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with client requests off of web servers allows the firewall to focus on supplying the resources.

In the event of multiple servers in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for directing the requests to the server. There may be multiple web servers providing the same content, offering various kinds of services, or a combination of both. These servers could be running the HTTP protocol in the same way as the traditional web server. But, they may be equipped with protocol for application servers like FastCGI. It is possible to configure reverse proxy servers to route visitors to specific server depending on the service they require, or to adhere to certain guidelines for traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position prior to web servers through the ability to cache data. The large static files can be configured with caching rules in order to avoid needing to connect with web servers for every request, with some solutions allowing you to serve static files directly without having to contact the server once. Additionally reverse proxy can deal with compression of these assets.

The renowned Nginx web server also functions as a powerful reverse proxy service. However, Apache can also be a reverse proxy option however, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is also fitted with an reverse proxy feature as an added option for Apache as opposed to Nginx was initially designed for and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations

Because "forward" or "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing because both types of proxies handle requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to look at the specifications of the application you're working on.

Reverse proxy can be a valuable tool to use when developing a solution to serve web-based applications over the internet. Reverse proxy servers represent your website whenever you interact on the web.

A forward proxy can be helpful when it is displayed in front of clients for personal use as well as in an official context. They represent the client's online traffic in any online interaction.

The practice of separating by use case instead of using the same naming conventions will assist you in making sure that there is no confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarifies the meaning of a proxy that has two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and an exploration of beneficial attributes were used to identify forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you'd like to explore the implementation of proxies, you can read our guide on how to configure Nginx for use as an online server and reverse proxy to Apache using the Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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