"proxy" refers to a proxy server "proxy" refers to a proxy or proxy server is an application that acts acting as a mediator between client and a server via the internet. Without a proxy, a user would make a request to any source straight to the server, and it would deliver the requested resource directly back towards the customer. This is not difficult to understand and implement, adding proxies provides advantages through improved security, performance, privacy as well as many other benefits. As a layer of pass-through, proxies act as a gatekeeper on the internet, separating servers and clients.

In general, the combination of hardware used by servers and the software that is installed to make proxy connections is commonly described as proxy servers. But, this article will focus on proxy servers that are generally described as software as well as those that are used to complement web servers. The article will provide a description of the two main types that are available, which include forward proxy and reverse proxy. forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage that can cause confusion due to the use of overlapping terms.

This article will provide you with an understanding of proxy types and their subtypes and also their significance in normal settings. If you go through this article, you will be able to discern the situations where a reliable proxy could be beneficial, and determine the best option for you between forward and reverse proxy, in any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Also forward proxy, also referred to as or an open proxy is an agent for the user trying to make the request online an origin server. In this case, any attempt to send requests made by the client will rather be directed via the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy acting on behalf of the client, will look into the request. At the beginning, it will decide whether the client is authorized to send requests to this particular forward proxy. Then, it can either deny requests or redirect it to its source server. The client is not able to have direct access to the internet It has access to only what the forward proxy permits it to connect to.

The most popular reason to utilize forward proxies is more privacy or protection online. A forward proxy connects to the internet on behalf of an individual client and when it does this, it may make use of an IP address different from the original IP address of the client.

Based on the way it's configured depending on the way it's set up, forward proxy could offer a range of capabilities, including the capability to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  You can determine restrictions based upon your location.
  
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Forward proxies also are utilized in systems that provide central security as well as access based on permissions, such as in the workplace. When all internet traffic goes through an open forward proxy layer, administrators are able to allow only a handful of clients connection to internet, that is blocked by a common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in clients, that may be used by multiple computer with various configurations and users A firewall could be added to the forward proxy layer.

Be aware Forward proxy servers have to be manually setup before they can be utilized while reverse proxies could be ignored by clients. Based on the fact that the IP address of the client is transmitted to the origin server by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a variety of possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxy options.

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  Apache The Apache is a well-known open source web server that provides forward proxy features.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source webserver that comes with forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy utilizing the HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer the complete web server system. Check out our guide on the most efficient method to install Squid proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante forward proxy which runs the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP this makes it better to handle situations like peer-to-peer communication. You can also research how to configure Dante proxy to allow connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy serves to act as an agent of a web server and handles requests made by customers on its behalf. The web server could function as a single server or a number of servers. It can also include an application servers, such as Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios a request could come from a user on the internet. The request will typically be directly sent to the server on the internet that has the information the user is seeking. Contrarily, a reverse proxy is a intermediary, isolating the web server from direct contact with the internet's open.

From the perspective of the user, working with reverse proxy isn't different from the interaction with an internet server direct. It's the same, however the client can't discern the distinction. The client asks for a resource and then receives it without additional configuration needed from the user.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Security centralized on webservers.
  
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  The routing of traffic inbound is by rules you set up.
  
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  Additional features for caching.
  
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Although central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxies, reverse proxies provide this benefit to the layer that is on the webserver and not the client layer. Instead of focusing on the maintenance of firewalls at the server layer which may include multiple servers with different configurations, the majority of firewall security could be directed at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the responsibility of communicating with firewalls as well as communicating requests from clients away from web servers enables the firewall to concentrate on providing resources.

If there are multiple servers running behind a reverse proxy the reverse proxy could also be in charge of directing which requests are directed to which servers. There could be multiple web servers running from the same host, each providing various kinds of resources or a mix of the two. The servers employ an HTTP protocol to serve as an ordinary web server. They can also be equipped with other protocols for application servers such as FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy that directs the clients to specific servers based on the resource requested, or to adhere to certain rules regarding the traffic load.

Reverse proxies are also able to make use of their positioning ahead of web servers by using caching capabilities. Massive static resources can be set up with caching policy to prevent the web server from being hit with every request. Certain solutions allowing you to serve static content directly, without needing to connect to the web server in any way. In addition the reverse proxy can be capable of compressing these assets.

The popular Nginx web server is also used as a reliable reverse proxy solution. While Apache is a reverse proxy service however, the Apache webserver also comes with reverse proxy functionality, it is an additional option for Apache however Nginx was designed initially for and concentrates specifically on reverse proxy capabilities.

Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations

Because "forward" or "reverse" are both associated with a sense of directionality, and false connections with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic the labels can be confusing as both types of proxies can handle both requests and responses. In addition, the most effective method to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy services is to think about the requirements of the application that you're developing.

A reverse proxy could be useful when you are creating a solution to serve web-based applications via the internet. They act as your web server in all interactions on the Internet.

A forward proxy is useful when used in front of customers for your own usage or even in a professional setting. They represent your clients for any interaction on the internet.

The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on similar naming conventions will assist you in avoidance of confusion.

Conclusion

This article explains what is a "proxy" is, with two types that are the reverse proxy and forward proxy. Practical scenarios for use and an exploration of beneficial features were used to distinguish between two kinds of proxies both reverse and forward. If you're looking for ways to set up proxies, look up our guide on how to configure Nginx as reverse and web server proxy for Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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