A proxy, also known as a proxy is also known by the name of a proxy, is software that acts to act as an intermediary for a client and server on the internet. In the absence of a proxy server, a client would be able to send a request to every resource straight to server and servers would provide direct to users who requested the resource. This is a simple method to understand and use, however using proxy servers may provide benefits like increased performance, privacy, security, among others. As an additional layer of protection proxy servers act as a guardian for the internet between servers and clients.

The general consensus is that the system of hardware for servers, paired with proxy software is often called proxy servers. But, this article will focus on proxy servers that are typically categorized as software, and more specifically in relation with web server. This article will provide a brief overview of the two main kinds of proxies: a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a different use, and can be confusing because of the identical name convention.

This article will provide you with an understanding of what proxies and their subtypes, and their value in common configurations. Through this article, you'll be able to recognize the situations where you may benefit from a proxy, and make the right alternative between reverse proxy or forward proxy depending on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy also referred to as open proxy, sometimes referred to as open proxy is a proxy for users who wish to send a request via the internet to an source server. In this scenario, every request made by the user will be directed via an forward proxy. A forward proxy that is in place of the client will review the request. It will first determine whether the client is allowed to accept requests via this specific forward proxy. Then, it can either reject requests or send it back to source server. The client will not be able to have an internet connection directly; it will only be allowed access to the information that the forward proxy gives the access.

One of the most frequent uses for forward proxies is to provide greater privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy is able to access the internet in lieu of a client's individual account, and can use another IP address in comparison to the IP address of the user.

Based on the way it's set up, and how it's configured forward proxy could provide various options and let you:

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  Avoid tracking ads.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Establish restrictions based upon geolocation.
  
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Forward proxies can also be used in systems that provide central security and permission based access to the internet, for instance in a workplace. If all internet traffic is routed through a common forward proxy layer administrators are able to permit only certain users access to the internet, which is controlled by a standard firewall. Instead of keeping firewalls for the client layer, which could include multiple machines with different settings and types of users, the firewall may be placed at the proxy layer that is in front.

Keep in mind that forward proxy servers must be manually configured for be used, while reverse proxies can be disregarded from the clients. Based on the kind of IP address the client's connection to the server that originated it by the forward proxy security and privacy can be granted or made more transparent.

There are a myriad of choices to be considered in determining forward proxy:

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx is another popular open-source webserver that includes forward proxy functionality.
  
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  Squid is an open source forward proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. The option does not include the entire web server. You can refer to our article on how to set up Squid proxy to enable private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante is a forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it suitable for scenarios like peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to configure an Dante proxy for connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy acts as the web server that handles the requests of customers on its behalf. It can be used as a single server or as a series of servers. It could also comprise an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations, a request would come through the internet at large. In most cases the request will be sent directly to the server with all the resources the client requires. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, separating your web server from communication with the internet's public.

From the point of view from a client's perspective reverse proxy is not any different than connecting directly to an internet server. It's functionally identical, however the client can't discern the difference. The client requests the resource, and it then gets it without any further configuration required by the client.

Reverse proxies offer features such as:

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  A centralized layer of security to guard the server.
  
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  The direction of traffic that is using rules that you set up.
  
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  A new feature for caching is now available.
  
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Central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy services, reverse proxies give this feature to the server layer and it is not available to the client layer. Instead of focusing on maintaining firewalls at the server level which could include multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of firewall security could be directed at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of dealing with firewalls as well as interacting with requests from clients not connected to web servers allows them to focus solely on meeting the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers hosting through reverse proxy the reverse proxy manages the routing of requests to which servers. Multiple servers may be serving the same resource, serving different types of resources or a combination of the two. They may utilize an HTTP protocol for functioning as a normal web server, however they can additionally include application server protocols such as FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy that routes clients to specific servers based on the requested service, or observe certain guidelines for traffic volume.

Reverse proxies may also make use of their position prior to web servers by providing caching capabilities. Large static files can be set by caching rules to avoid getting to web servers for each time a request is made. There are solutions offering the possibility of serving static content directly without having to connect with the webserver in any way. Additionally, reverse proxy can help compress these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server is a very popular reverse proxy choice. It is true that it is true that the Apache web server does have a reverse proxy capabilities as an added feature available to Apache However, Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on the reverse proxy feature.

Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use Examples

Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality and inaccurate comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. They can confuse because both types of proxy servers process requests and response. Instead, a better way to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy servers would be to study the requirements of the app you're creating.

Reverse proxy is an important element in the creation of a solution to serve web applications on the internet. They function as your servers during any interaction through the Internet.

Forward proxy can be helpful in displaying customer information for personal use or even in a workplace. They represent the client's information when you connect to the internet.

A distinction based on use case instead of focusing solely on similar naming conventions can help avoid confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified the definition of a proxy. There are two kinds of proxy being the reverse and forward proxy. Practical applications and an exploration of beneficial attributes were used to identify forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested exploring the benefits for proxy servers you can learn how to configure Nginx as web service and reverse proxy in Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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