The phrase "proxy" is a reference to proxy servers. A proxy or proxy server is software that serves as an intermediary between client and server on the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, a user could submit a request for the resource directly to a server, and then the server will provide direct access to that resource. Although this method is easy to understand and apply using proxy servers, it could provide benefits in terms of better performance, privacy, security, and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through a proxy serves as a security guardian for the internet between clients and servers.

The mixture of the server's hardware and proxy software is generally referred to as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxies which are usually described as software, as well as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide an explanation of two main types: namely a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind has its own unique usage situation, and is frequently misunderstood due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will provide you with the basics of what proxies and subtypes can do and how they do in the commonly used configurations. After reading this article, it will be able to identify the instances where the use of proxy servers is advantageous, and then choose the most appropriate option between forward and reverse proxy depending on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known by the name of open proxy. An open proxy is an agent used by the user trying to send an internet request to an source server. In this instance, the entire process of sending requests initiated by the client is routed by an forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client, will scrutinize the request. It first decides if clients are authorized to submit requests via this particular forward proxy. It then decides whether to refuse requests or redirect them to the original server. The client does not have direct access to the internet. It has access to only the information that the forward proxy permits it to connect to.

The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy is the need to increase security or privacy when surfing the web. The forward proxy is connected to the internet instead of the client, and in this way, it is using an IP address distinct from the IP address that the user is using.

Based on the way it was set up the forward proxy will offer various functions based on how it is configured that permits you to:

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  Beware of ad-tracker.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find restrictions based on the location you are in.
  
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Forward proxies may also be used in systems that provide security centrally and access that is based on permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open forward proxy, the administrator is able to restrict access to a limited number of users accessing the internet, which is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of creating firewalls for the client layer, which can include multiple machines with different settings and users, the firewall can be set up at the layer which forwards proxy traffic.

It is important to be aware of the fact that forward proxies need to be manually configured to use and reverse proxies could be overlooked in the eyes of the user. Depending on the type of IP address of the user, it is sent to the server from which it originated through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may be granted or kept in the dark.

There are numerous alternatives to think about when considering forward proxy choices:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server with the ability to forward-proxy.
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. It's not part of the complete Web server. We have a tutorial on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to learn how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as the agent of a server on the internet that handles requests from users on behalf of. The web server can consist of a single server or multiple servers. It can also function in the role of an application server, like Gunicorn. In any case the request will be made via the internet, generally. In most cases, requests will then be made directly to the server that hosts the resources that the user is looking for. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, detaching the webserver from direct interaction with the internet's open.

From the viewpoint of the user, the experience of working with reverse proxy isn't any different than interacting with your webserver directly. It's basically the same however the client is unable to recognize the difference. The client sends an order for an item, and then receives it, with no additional configuration needed by the client.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Security centralized to web server.
  
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  Direction of the traffic coming in is determined by rules you can establish.
  
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  The caching feature was added to the application.
  
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Although central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers. Reverse proxies offer this benefit only to the server layer, and not to the client layer. Instead of maintaining firewalls at the web servers layer that may contain multiple servers with various configurations, the bulk protection of the firewall is centered in the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interacting with firewalls and interacting with requests from clients who do not have web servers lets them concentrate on the requirements of their customers.

When there's multiple servers running in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for directing which requests are directed towards which servers. There could be several web servers offering the identical service, however each offering different kinds of resources, or a mix of both. They can utilize the HTTP protocol to operate as a normal web server, however they may also be equipped with application server protocols like FastCGI. You can set up a reverse proxy to redirect users to specific servers based on the requested resource, or to adhere to specific guidelines for the amount of traffic.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their location above web servers, by providing the ability to cache data. Large static assets can be configured using caching rules to prevent hitting web servers with every request. Some solutions allowing the delivery of static files without needing to connect to a servers in any manner. Furthermore reverse proxy can be used to compress these files.

The popular Nginx web server can also function as a well-known reverse proxy solution. While Apache is also a reverse proxy solution, the Apache web server has a reverse proxy capability as an additional option to Apache and Nginx was initially designed for and is focused on the reverse proxy feature.

Distinguishing Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Examples

Since "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with a sense of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic can be confusing as both types of proxies deal with requests and responses. The best way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy is to look at the requirements of the application that you're constructing.

Reverse proxy is useful in the development of a method to offer web-based services over the internet. They act as your web server whenever you use the internet.

Forward proxy can be useful when it is placed in front of clients for personal use, or in a work setting. Forward proxy is a representation of your client's traffic whenever you connect to the internet.

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

Conclusion

In this article, we clarified the definition of a proxy by comparing the two types of proxy: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical examples of use and a discussion of the most effective features were employed to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in learning more about the benefits of proxy servers, you can follow our guide on how to set up Nginx as an internet proxy and reverse proxy to Apache in the Ubuntu 20.04 server.