It is an proxy, also called a proxy server. It's software that acts to act as mediator between client and server over the internet. Without a proxy, a client would be able to send requests for or resource to the server directly, and the server will deliver the resource directly for the client. While this is a simple method to understand and implement, the addition of proxies could bring advantages in the form of increased performance, privacy, security, and many other benefits. As a pass-through layer a proxy is a security guardian of the internet between servers and clients.




The general consensus is that the mix of hardware for servers as well as software for proxy installation is usually referred to as proxy servers. However, this article will be focusing on proxy servers that are typically considered to be software, as well as within the context of web servers. We will discuss of the two primary types of proxy servers, which include a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each has its own unique usage scenario, which is often not understood due to the similar terms.




This article will give you some understanding about the different types of proxy and the subtypes of them, and how they work in the most common configurations. After having read this article, you'll be able to identify the scenarios where you could benefit by a proxy, and decide which is the best choice between forward and reverse proxy in every situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy, also known as an open proxy is the agent of a client who wishes to send a request via the internet to a source server. In this case the entire attempt to send requests by the user is instead transferred to the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting as a substitute for the client will scrutinize the request. The first step is to determine if the client is permitted to accept requests via this specific forward proxy. The client then decides if it wants to reject an request and forward it to its original server. The client isn't allowed an internet connection directly. It is only able to access what the forward proxy allows the client to access.




A popular use for forward proxy servers is to obtain more privacy or protection when surfing the web. Forward proxy can be used to access the internet lieu of a client, and as such it could utilize a different IP address than that of the client's initial IP address.




Based on the way it has been configured, the forward proxy will offer different functions, based on how it is configured that lets you:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find restrictions that are based on your location.




Forward proxies are also used for security systems that are centralized and permission-based access like in the workplace. The entire internet can be passed via an open forward proxy, an administrator can grant just a few users access to the internet using a common firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls for the client layer, which may comprise a variety of computers with different settings and users A firewall can be placed on top of an front proxy layer.




It is vital to note that forward proxy servers must be set up manually for use, however reverse proxy servers will be ignored by the clients. Based on the fact that the IP address of a user is sent to the server that originated it from the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity might be granted, or if it is left unnoticed.




There are numerous possibilities to explore for forward proxy options:




Apache is a well-known open-source web server which provides forward proxy functions.


Nginx is another popular open-source webserver that comes with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open source forward proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. It does not come with an all-inclusive web server application. You can check out our tutorial on installing Squid proxy to connect privately on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better suited for cases like peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to examine how you can setup a Dante proxy to connect privately in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy is the web server, that handles client requests instead. The web server may serve as a one server or as a set of servers. In addition, it could be used in the role of an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios, the request will come from an internet-connected user. Typically, the request is sent directly to the server that contains the resources the user is requesting. Instead, a reverse proxy functions as an intermediary and shields it from any direct interaction with the internet's open.




From the viewpoint of the client, interfacing using reverse proxy isn't distinct from communicating with your webserver directly. It's essentially the same, and the user cannot discern the distinction. The client makes a request for a resource that is then followed by receiving it, without any further configuration by the user.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




Centralized security for the web server layer.


Directing traffic according to rules that you decide to define.


Additional functionality to cache data.




While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy servers provide this benefit only to those who use the server layer, but not to the layer that clients use. Instead of the maintenance of firewalls on the server level that can include multiple servers with different configurations, the majority of the firewall security can be handled by the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, getting rid of the responsibility of communicating with firewalls and interfacing with clients who request information from web servers allows them to concentrate on serving resources.




If multiple servers are running in a reverse proxy The reverse proxy determines the way requests are routed to which server. There may be several web servers providing the exact same service, each providing different kinds of resources, or a mix of both. They may utilize the HTTP protocol as a conventional web server, however, they may additionally include applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy servers to direct customers to specific servers depending upon the requested resource or to adhere to specific rules for traffic volume.




Reverse proxies also can profit from their placement over web servers, by providing caching functionality. Large static assets can be created by using caching rules to stop from hitting web servers with every request, with some options allowing users to upload static files directly without connecting to the web server once. Additionally, reverse proxy can manage compression of these assets.




The popular Nginx web server is a highly popular reverse proxy service. While Apache is also a reverse proxy service however, this Apache web server does have a reverse proxy functionality as an added option for Apache however Nginx was originally designed for and specifically focused on reverse proxy functions.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Utilization



Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality and false connections to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic the labels could be confusing because both types of proxies handle responses and requests. The best method of separating between reverse and forward proxy is to analyze the specifications of the application you're creating.




Reverse proxy is an essential aspect when developing a solution to serve websites on the internet. They serve as your web servers during any interaction via the internet.




A forward proxy is beneficial when it is used before customers for your own use, or even in a workplace. They act as your client's proxy via any communication with the internet.




Utilizing use cases to differentiate rather than focusing solely on common naming conventions can make it easier to avoid confusion.



Conclusion



The article explained the meaning of a proxy with the two primary types being the reverse proxy and forward proxy. Practical scenarios to use them and a discussion of the most beneficial features were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the advantages of proxies, then you can read our tutorial on how you can configure Nginx as an reverse proxy and an internet server with Apache in the Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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