proxy is also referred to as a proxy is also known as a proxy server software that sits in the middle between server and a client via the internet. Without a proxy, a user would make a request any source directly through the server, and then the server will provide direct access to that resource. This method is simple to understand and use, however, the addition of proxy servers can offer advantages in terms of more speed, privacy and security, among other things. In addition to adding a layer of protection, a proxy acts as a security guard for the internet between clients and servers.

It is generally accepted that the combined combination of server hardware and installed proxy software is also often referred as a proxy server. In this article, we will examine proxies commonly categorized as software, and in the context of web servers. You will get a breakdown of the two main types of proxies: that is an forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each one has its own use situation, and is frequently not understood due to the common names.

This article will provide you with some understanding about what proxies and subtypes are and the ways they can be useful in various configurations. In this guide, you'll be able to recognize the situations where a proxy is beneficial, and make the right alternative between forward and reverse proxy in any given situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

An forward proxy sometimes known by the name of open proxy. An open proxy is a proxy for an individual trying to make a request via the internet to a source server. In this scenario every attempt to send requests made by the client will be sent through the forward proxy. The forward proxy, in the client's stead is able to examine the request. It first decides if the client has been granted permission to accept requests from this particular forward proxy. Then, it will either reject requests or redirect it to the server that originated it. It's not able directly connect directly to internet. It only has access to what forward proxy allows the forward proxy to connect.

A common use for forward proxy is to provide greater privacy or security when surfing the web. Forward proxy connects to internet as a client in this way, it assigns an alternative IP address to the client's IP address.

Depending on how it's been configured in accordance with the method it was set up, a forward proxy could provide a variety of functions that allow you to:

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  Do not click on ads that track you.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  You can spot limitations based on your geographic location.
  
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Forward proxies are also employed in systems that provide central security and access via permissions, like in a workplace. All internet traffic can pass via an open forward proxy, administrators can restrict access for specific users to the internet. This is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on this layer of client, which could be utilized by a variety of computers that have different types of environments and users. A firewall may be found at this forward proxy layer.

It is important to know that forward proxy servers must be set up manually to allow the use of them, but reverse proxies won't be detected by the user. Depending on whether an IP address from the client is sent to the origin server by forward proxy Privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a variety of options to consider when considering forward proxy services.

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  Apache: A popular open-source webserver that provides forward proxy features.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server that comes with forward proxy functionality.
  
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  Squid: An open source forward proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. It isn't part of the whole web server. This is a step-by-step tutorial for setting up Squid proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP which makes it ideal for scenarios such as peer-to-peer traffic. You could also examine the steps to install an Dante proxy to allow private connections to Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is an intermediary to a web server, handling any requests that come in from clients its place. This server can serve as a single server or multiple servers. Additionally, it can include an application servers, like Gunicorn. In any case it is possible to get a request from a customer via the internet in general. Most of the time the request will be directed directly to the server hosting the information the client wants. Reverse proxy works as an intermediary to isolate your web server from communication with the web's public.

From a consumer's point of view that is an individual's view, interacting with reverse proxy isn't distinct from the interaction with the server on its own. It's functionally identical to Web server and user cannot tell the distinction. Clients can request the resource and is then given it, with no extra configuration required by the user.

Reverse proxies grant features like:

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  Security centralized for web servers.
  
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  Controlling traffic coming in by using rules that you design.
  
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  Added functionality for caching.
  
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While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy services, reverse-proxies provide this service to the web server layer but not to the client layer. Instead of implementing firewalls on the layer of web servers which might include multiple servers that have different configurations, most of firewall security is located on the layer of reverse proxy. Additionally, getting rid of the necessity of interfacing with firewalls and responding to requests from clients without web servers allows them to concentrate on providing the needs of their clients.

In the event of multiple servers hosted by reverse proxy the reverse proxy is responsible for directing which requests are routed towards which servers. There could be multiple web servers providing the exact same service, but having different resources, or a combination of the two. They can use the HTTP protocol in the same way as an ordinary web server but can be outfitted with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can set up a reverse proxy to direct clients to an individual server based on the resource requested or to adhere to certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxy solutions can benefit from placing them on the top of web servers by using the caching feature. Large static files can be arranged using caching rules to prevent hitting web servers with every request. Certain solutions allow the server to serve static files directly without having to connect to a web server in any way. Additionally, the reverse proxy is able to handle compression of these files.

The popular Nginx web server also functions as a popular reverse proxy solution. It is true that the Apache web server comes with reverse proxy feature, it's an additional option. Apache as opposed to Nginx was initially designed focus on the reverse proxy feature.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases

Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the perception of directionality, and inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. These labels are confusing because both kinds of proxies handle requests and responses. The best way to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy is to think about the needs of the application you're creating.

Reverse proxy is an important element when designing an application that can deliver web-based applications to the internet. They act as your web server during any interaction with the internet.

Forward proxy applications can be useful when they are placed in front of clients to use for personal purposes, or in a work setting. They can be used to represent your client's traffic when you interact with the internet.

Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on common naming conventions will help you not be confused.

Conclusion

The article outlined what an "proxy" is and the two most common types of them being the reverse and forward proxy. Practical applications and a review of the beneficial features was used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're considering how to use proxies, follow our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as a webserver and reverse proxy for Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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