A proxy or proxy server is a software that sits in the middle between client and server on the internet. Without proxy, a user could send a request for the resource directly to a server, and the server will serve the requested resource directly to the user. This method is simple to grasp and use but the addition of proxies can provide advantages such as greater performance, privacy, security, and much more. As an additional layer of passing through, proxies act as a security layer for the internet between servers and clients.

In general, the combined combination of server hardware and the software used to install proxy services is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically described in terms of software as well as those that are used in conjunction with web servers. We will give a synopsis of the two main types of proxies: those that are a one that is forward and the reverse proxy. Each has its own usage, which can be confusing due to a similar terminology.

This article will give you an understanding of what proxies and their subtypes are, and their utility in a variety of configurations. After reading this article, you'll be aware of what situations in which a proxy is advantageous, and decide on the best choice for forward proxy or reverse proxy based on the circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known by the name of open proxy. An open proxy is a proxy for a user who is trying to send an online request to a server. In this case, the whole request sent by the client is instead directed by the forward-proxy. The forward proxy, acting in lieu of the user will review the request. It will first verify if the client has been authorized to transmit requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then deny a demand and then forward the request to an original server. The client does not have direct connection for the web. It is able to access only the information that the forward proxy allows it to access.

A common use case of forward proxy is increased privacy or security online. A forward proxy is connected to the internet in place of a client, and during this process it is using an alternative IP address that is different from the client's initial IP address.

Based on the way it has been configured according to the way it was configured, a forward proxy could offer a range of features depending on how it's configured, which allows users to:

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  Do not be a victim of ad tracking.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Determine the restrictions that are based on the location you are in.
  
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Forward proxies can also be used in systems that rely on central security and permission -based access, like at workplaces. When all internet traffic is routed through an common forward proxy layer, the administrator is able to limit access to only a small set of users to the internet through an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place on the client layer, which may comprise several computers with various environments and users, it is possible to install a firewall at the layer that forwards proxy traffic.

It is essential to note to remember that forward proxy servers must be manually set up to be used, while reverse proxies are often not noticed by clients. Depending on the type of IP address of the client is passed on to the server that originated it via the forward proxy, privacy and security can be granted or left in the dark.

There are a variety of choices to think about for forward proxies:

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server with forward proxy capability.
  
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  Nginx is another well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy features.
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire Web server app. You can read our instructions on how to set-up Squid proxy to allow private connections with Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP and is better suited to use in instances such as peer-to-peer traffic. You can also discover how to set up a Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy is an intermediary for a web server, which handles the incoming requests of clients on its behalf. Web servers can comprise a single server or a number of servers. It could also serve as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In any case, the request comes from users on the internet in general. Most of the time, the request will be made directly to the server which has all the resources the client requires. However reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, and separates Web servers and their direct communication with the internet.

From a consumer's point of view, interacting with reverse proxy is not different than interacting with an online server direct. It's pretty much the same however the user cannot see the difference. The client requests the resource, and it is then granted without extra configuration that must be completed by the client.

Reverse proxies provide features such as:

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  A centralized layer of security to protect the server.
  
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  Controlling traffic that is inbound on rules that you can create.
  
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  A new feature for caching has been added.
  
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While centralized security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxies, reverse proxies provide this to only the server layer but not to the layer that clients use. Instead of establishing firewalls on Web server layers which can contain many servers and different configurations, most firewall security is targeted at the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the ease of interacting with a firewall and communicating with clients that are not web servers enables the firewall to concentrate on delivering the needs of their customers.

In the case of multiple servers operating within reverse proxy, it determines which requests are sent to which servers. Many web servers may be running on the same server and serving various kinds of services or a mix of both. These servers utilize the HTTP protocol like a traditional web server. They can also be equipped with applications server protocols such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy servers to guide the clients to specific servers depending on the kind of resource they are seeking, or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies also have the ability to gain advantage from their position prior to web servers, through providing caching functions. Large static assets are able to be configured using caching rules so that they do not have to call web servers on every request. Certain software solutions allow you to serve static assets directly without having to connect to the server once. In addition, the reverse proxy can manage compression of these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server is also used as a powerful reverse proxy service. While it is real it is true that Apache webserver is fitted with an reverse proxy which is an additional option for Apache however Nginx was originally built for and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Examples

Since "forward" and "reverse" have connotations of directionality as well as inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic and can be confusing as both types of proxy services process requests and responses. The best way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy is to think about the requirements of the application that you're developing.

Reverse proxy can be useful when you're creating a solution for offering web-based services via the internet. They serve as your servers in any interactions through the Internet.

Forward proxy applications are advantageous when placed in front of the client for personal use or in a professional setting. They are your client's representative whenever you use the internet.

The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the commonly used naming conventions can help in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article defined what a proxy is along with two types: forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and an exploration of the benefits were used to differentiate between forward and reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the implementation of proxies, you can follow our guide on how to configure Nginx as a reverse proxy using Apache running the Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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