It's a proxy, also called a proxy server. It's software that acts in the role of a intermediary between a server and a client over the internet. Without a proxy, a user can send requests for or resource to the server directly and the server will provide the resource directly for the client. While this is a simple method to grasp and implement, the addition of proxies could bring advantages in the form of increased performance, privacy, security, and many more. As a pass-through layer a proxy is an additional security layer on the internet between servers and clients.

The general consensus is that the mix of hardware for servers and software to install proxy servers is commonly referred to by the name of proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers which are generally classified as software as well as in the context of web servers. We will discuss of the two main types, namely which are a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Every one has its unique unique usage situation, and is often misunderstood because of the similar terms.

This article will provide you with some understanding about the different types of proxy and what subtypes they are and how they function in the common configurations. After reading this article, it will be able to identify the scenarios where you could benefit by a proxy, and select the most appropriate forward and reverse proxy in each scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy, also referred to as open proxy. open proxy is the agent of a client who wishes to forward a request over the internet to a source server. In this instance, the whole attempt to send requests made by the user will instead be forwarded by the forward-proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client will examine the request. The first step is to determine if the client is allowed to accept requests via this particular forward proxy. Then, it decides to deny a request or forward it to the original server. The client is not allowed an internet connection directly. It has access to only what forward proxy allows the client to access.

A common use of forward proxy is to achieve more privacy or protection on the internet. Forward proxy can be used to connect to the internet instead of a client and, in this way it could utilize an IP address that is different from the initial IP address.

Based on the way it has been set up the forward proxy can provide a variety of functions depending upon the way it has been configured and lets you:

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  Beware of ads that track you.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find restrictions that are based on the location you are in.
  
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Forward proxies can also be used for security systems which are centralised and have permission-based access like at work. Every internet connection can go through an open forward proxy. administrators can allow just a few users connection to internet through an common firewall. Instead of creating firewalls for the client layer, which may comprise a variety of devices with various configurations and users, a firewall can be installed on top of an front proxy layer.

It is vital to note that forward proxies need to be set up manually to be used, however reverse proxies remain unnoticed by the clients. Depending on whether the IP address of the user is transmitted to the server from which it originated by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may be granted, or left unnoticed.

There are a myriad of possibilities to look into forward proxy options

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  Apache is a well-known open-source webserver that offers forward proxy features.
  
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  Nginx is a popular open-source web server that has forward proxy functions.
  
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  Squid is an open source forward proxy that makes use of the HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with an entire website server program. We have a instructions on setting up Squid proxy to connect privately on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better suited for cases like peer-to-peer traffic. You may also want to explore how you can set up the Dante proxy to connect privately in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

The reverse proxy acts as the server that handles client requests on its behalf. The web server may serve as a single server, or a number of servers. In addition, it could function like an app server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations, the request comes from a user via the internet. Typically, the request is directed directly to the server that contains the resources the user needs. Instead, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, separating it from any direct interaction with the open internet.

From the point of view of the client, interfacing using reverse proxy isn't distinct from communicating with the web server directly. It's functionally identical and the user cannot discern the difference. The client sends a request for a resource and then receiving it with no further configuration by the user.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  Security centralized for web servers.
  
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  The sending of traffic according to the rules you decide to decide to define.
  
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  Additional functionality for caching.
  
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While central security is a benefit for both reverse and forward proxy servers. Reverse proxy servers provide this benefit only to the web server layer, but not to the layer that clients use. Instead of having to maintain firewalls in the server level, that can include several servers that have different configurations, the majority of firewall security may be centered at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore eliminating the hassle of dealing with firewalls and interfacing with requests from clients away from web servers allows them to focus on serving the resources.

If multiple servers are operating through a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also determines how requests are routed the server. There could be multiple web servers that provide the identical service, and each offering different types of resources or a combination of both. They may utilize the HTTP protocol for a traditional web server, however, they might also include protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can create reverse proxy that routes clients to specific servers based on the resource they request or to adhere to specific rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies also can profit by their position over web servers, as they provide caching capabilities. The large static files can be set up by using caching rules to stop from hitting web servers with every request. Certain solutions providing the option to provide static files without having to connect to a web server even once. Additionally, reverse proxy is able to handle compression of these files.

The popular Nginx web server is also a highly popular reverse proxy solution. Although Apache is also a reverse proxy option but it is not a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server does have reverse proxy capabilities as an added option for Apache however Nginx was designed originally for and was designed with a focus on reverse proxy capabilities.

Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use. Differentiating Forward and Reverse Proxy Use

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" come with connotations of directionality, and false connections to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can confuse since both kinds of proxy deal with requests and responses. In addition, the most effective method to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to look at the specifications of the application you're creating.

Reverse proxy is an important feature when you are designing a solution to host web applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers for any interaction on the internet.

A forward proxy is useful when used in front of clients for personal use, or even in a workplace. They act as your client's proxy via any communication with the internet.

Differentiating by use case as opposed to focusing only on standard names will help avoid confusion.

Conclusion

The article explained the significance of a proxy, with the two main types being the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for using them as well as a discussion of most effective features were employed to differentiate between forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're looking to know more about the benefits of proxies, you should check out our tutorial on how you can set up Nginx as an reverse proxy and internet server using Apache in the Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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