The word "proxy" refers to a proxy or proxy server, a software which serves in the role of an intermediary a client and server over the internet. Without the use of a proxy, a user could send a request for resources directly to a server then the server could return the resource directly back at the requester's expense. This method is simple to grasp and use but the addition of proxies can bring benefits including improved performance, privacy, security, and much more. In addition to providing a pass-through layer, the proxy functions as a security guardian of the internet between clients and servers.

Generally speaking, the combined system of server hardware with proxy software installed is also often referred too as a proxy server. This article will concentrate on the types of proxies that are typically thought as software, and specifically with regard to web servers. The article will offer an explanation of two types, namely one being a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own application, and is often confused because of the similar terminology.

This article will give you the information on the different types of proxies, the subtypes they are, as well as how they function with a range of configurations. In this article, you'll be able to recognize the situations where the use of proxies is advantageous, and choose the correct solution between forward and reverse proxy, in any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy often referred to an open proxy, is a means of intermediary to allow a user to make a connection via the internet to an source server. In this case, the entire attempt to send requests made by the user is instead made via the forward proxy. This forward proxy acting in place as the customer, is able to examine into the request. It will determine if the client is able to handle requests from this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either reject requests or redirect them to the server that originated it. The client is not allowed an internet connection directly. It is only able to access what forward proxy allows for it access to.

A common use case of forward proxies is to gain greater privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy accesses the internet as the client and it may use an alternative IP address in addition to the client's initial IP address.

Based on how it's been configured according to the method of configuration forward proxy can offer a wide range of options and permit you to:

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  Avoid tracking ads.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find limitations based on your location.
  
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Forward proxies can also be used in systems that rely on central security and access based on permissions, like in workplaces. When all internet traffic passes through a forward proxy open layer, administrators can allow access only to specific users to the internet, and this is blocked by a common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls for the client layer which could be used by multiple computer systems with different configurations and environment, the firewall may be installed at this layer to forward proxy data.

It is important to remember that forward proxies need to be manually configured for use and reverse proxies may not be noticed by the user. Depending on the type of the IP address that a user is transmitted to the server from where it was received via the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or denied.

There are several options to consider for forward proxy possibilities:

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  Apache A popular open-source, well-known web server, that can provide forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source server for web hosting that has the ability to forward-proxy.
  
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  Squid: An open-source forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. It's not the full webserver system. You can refer to our step-by-step guide to install Squid proxy to enable private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy which uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more suitable for use scenarios such as peer-to-peer traffic. You might also want to know how to set up an Dante proxy to connect privately in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary between a web server, handling the incoming requests of customers on behalf of the server. This web server can serve as a single server or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could serve in the role of an application server such as Gunicorn. In any event, a request would come from the Internet at large. Typically the request would go directly to the web server and include the information the user is seeking. However, reverse proxy serves as an intermediary securing the web server from direct contact to the open internet.

From the consumer's point view the experience of interacting with reverse proxy isn't a lot different than working with the server by itself. It's exactly the same thing, however the client isn't able to tell the distinction. Clients can request the resource, and is provided with it, with no additional configuration required by the client.

Reverse proxy providers offer options like:

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  Centralized security for the web server layer.
  
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  The direction of traffic coming in is by rules you have set.
  
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  The caching function was added to the application.
  
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While central security can be a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this service at the layer of web servers, but not the client layer. instead of the maintenance of firewalls on Web server layers that could comprise multiple servers with various configurations, the majority of the firewall security is focused at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of working with firewalls and responding to requests from clients outside of web servers allows them to concentrate on meeting the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers operating as a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for directing which requests go to which server. There could be multiple web servers providing the exact same service, all offering various kinds of resources or a combination of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol to function as a traditional web server. But, they may also include application server protocols like FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy settings to send users to a specific server based on the service requested or to adhere to specific guidelines for traffic load.

Reverse proxies are also able to benefit from their position prior to web servers by providing the ability to cache information. Large static assets can be managed using caching rules, so that they do not prevent Web servers from getting hit on every request. Certain software solutions let you offer static files directly without connecting to the web server in any way. In addition the reverse proxy may manage the compression of these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server also serves as an effective reverse proxy option. Although Nginx, the Apache web server has reverse proxy capabilities but it's an additional option to Apache however Nginx was designed originally for and is specifically focused on reverse proxy capabilities.

The distinction between the use of reverse and forward proxy Examples

Because "forward" or "reverse" have associations with directionality, as well as false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic the labels can be confusing since both types of proxies are capable of handling requests as well as responses. An alternative method to differentiate between forward and reverse proxies is to examine the requirements of the application you're developing.

A reverse proxy can be helpful when creating an infrastructure to support websites on the internet. They act as your web server in all interactions via the internet.

Forward proxy is useful when placed in front of customers for personal use, or in a corporate environment. They are a representation of the customer's data every time you use the internet.

Distinguishing by use case instead of focusing on common names can help in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

The article clarified the significance of a proxy that has two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical use cases and an analysis of the most useful attributes were used to identify the two kinds of proxy that are reverse and forward. If you're interested to learn more about the benefits of proxies, then we recommend you read our guide on how you can set up Nginx for use as a web server and reverse proxy on Apache running on the Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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