A proxy is also known as a proxy server software which acts as an intermediary between client and server over the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users could submit a request to resources directly to a server and servers would then serve requests directly for the resource requested by the client. It is an easy procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxies can result in benefits like enhanced performance as well as privacy, security and much more. As an additional pass-through layer proxy servers serve as a security barrier on the internet between clients and servers.

Generally speaking, the bundled package of server hardware with installed proxy software is commonly called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers which are generally referred to as software as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide details of the two types of proxy servers, which include a forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will give you an idea of the types of proxy services, what their subtypes, as well as how they are helpful for setups that are common. After reading the article carefully, you'll be able to recognize situations where it's beneficial to utilize the proxy service and determine the right choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy in any circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy, also known as or an open proxy serves as the representative of the client in making an online request to the server that made it. In this case any attempts to send requests by the user are instead directed directly via the forward proxy. In this situation, the forward proxy on behalf of the client will scrutinize the request. It first will determine if this client is able to send requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it can either reject requests or redirect it to the server it originated from. The client isn't able to have direct access to the internet. It has access to only what forward proxy allows the client to access.

The primary reason people make use of forward proxy servers is to improve privacy or anonymity on internet. Forward proxy makes use of the internet instead of a client on its own, and, in doing so it could use an alternative IP address in place of the primary IP address of the client.

Based on the way it's set up, forward proxy may offer a range of features and let you:

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  Avoid tracking ads.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find restrictions based on the location.
  
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Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that provide centralized security and access based upon permissions, like at work. If all internet traffic is routed through an open front proxy, an administrator can grant only a handful of users online access through an common firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up on the client layer, which can involve many machines with different settings and users, there is a way to have an firewall installed on the front proxy layer.

Be aware that forward proxy servers require manual setup for them to be used, whereas reverse proxies can be ignored by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of a client is sent to the source server through the forward proxy, security and privacy can be granted or left transparent.

There are several options to consider for forward proxies:

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy functions.
  
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  Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Squid is an free forward proxy which utilizes it's HTTP protocol. The option does not include the complete Web server software. Learn more from our guide on how you can use Squid proxy to allow private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante: A forward proxy that operates the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP to make it more suitable for situations such as with peer-to-peer traffic. You may also want to understand how to set up an Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy functions as an agent for a web server, handling the incoming requests of clients on behalf. The web server could comprise a server or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could serve as an app server for instance, Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios a request could come from a user via the internet in general. The majority of the time, this request is sent directly to the web server that hosts the information that the user is requesting. Reverse proxy serves as a middleman to shield Web servers and prevent direct contact with the public internet.

From the point of the client's point of view using reverse proxy is not anything different than working with a Web server in direct contact. It's functionally the same but clients aren't able tell the distinction. Client makes request for the resource and it gets it, with no additional configuration needed by the client.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  A central layer of security to protect the server.
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you can set up.
  
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  New feature added to caching.
  
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While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this feature only to the layer that is on the webserver, and not to the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at the server level that may comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is placed on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility to interact with firewalls and interfacing with client requests via web servers allows the firewall to concentrate on providing resources.

If there are multiple servers within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy takes care of directing which requests are directed to the server. There may be multiple web servers providing identical content, supplying different kinds of services or a combination of both. These servers could be running the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as an ordinary web server. But, they may be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure reverse proxy software to redirect visitors to a particular server based on the service being requested or to comply with specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies may also benefit from their position ahead of web servers, by offering the capability to store data. The large static files can be set up with caching rules to avoid having to call web servers on every request, with some solutions even allowing users to directly serve static assets without having to connect to the server once. Furthermore the reverse proxy is able to handle compression of these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server is also used as a reliable reverse proxy service. However, Apache has a reverse proxy solution however, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is fitted with an reverse proxy function as an additional option for Apache unlike Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on reverse proxy functions.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases

Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality and misleading comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing since both types of proxies manage the process of responding to requests. The best method to differentiate between forward and reverse proxies is to examine the requirements of the app you're creating.

Reverse proxy is an effective tool when you are creating a solution for serving web-based applications over the internet. They act as your web servers when you connect to the web.

Forward proxy can be useful when it is displayed before clients for personal use or in a professional setting. They are a representation of the client's online traffic in any online interaction.

The practice of separating by use case rather than using the same names will help in avoidance of confusion.

Conclusion

This article explains the meaning of a proxy, with two kinds: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and an exploration of beneficial attributes were used to determine forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the implementation of proxies then you should follow our tutorial on how to configure Nginx to act as an Internet server and reverse proxy for Apache in Ubuntu 20.04 Server. Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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