An proxy, also known as a proxy server often referred to as the proxy server, is software that acts as a mediator between client and server on the internet. Without a proxy, a client could send a request for resources directly to the server and it will serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this is a simple process to understand and implement using proxies, it can offer benefits in terms of improved performance as well as privacy, security and more. As an additional layer of protection proxy functions as a gatekeeper to the internet between servers and clients.




In general, the bundle of server hardware that is installed with proxy software is often known as a proxy server. In this article, we'll concentrate on proxy servers that are typically classified as software as well as within the context of web servers. This article will give a detailed breakdown of the two primary types of proxy servers: a forward proxy as well as a reverse proxy. Each has its own use case, often confused because of a similar naming convention.




This article will give you an idea of the different types of proxy and what their subtypes are and their importance in the common configurations. Through the article you'll know how to identify the circumstances that a good proxy is beneficial and select the best option between forward and reverse proxy based on the situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy, sometimes known as an open proxy, also known as an open acts as an intermediary for a client that is trying to transmit a request over the internet to a source server. In this instance, any attempt to send requests made by the client will be routed direct via the forward proxy. A forward proxy acting in the client's stead, will review the request. The first step is to decide if the client's allowed be able to accept requests through this particular forward proxy. It will then reject any request, or send it to the server that originally received it. The client is not able to have directly access to internet. It is able to access only the web pages that the forward proxy allows the client access.




One of the most popular reasons for forward proxy is to gain greater privacy or security when using the internet. Forward proxy utilizes the internet as a client, and in the process, it uses an alternative IP address to the original IP address of the client.




Based on how it has been configured depending on how it is configured forward proxy could provide different features depending on the way it's configured that allow you to:




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine restrictions based on your geographical location.




Forward proxies are also used in systems that provide central security and access to users based on permissions, for instance at a workplace. Internet traffic can go via an open forward proxy. administrators are able to limit access to specific clients on the internet that is protected by a standard firewall. In lieu of having firewalls installed for the client layer which could include multiple machines with different configurations and users there is the option to have an firewall that is located in the forward proxy layer.




Note to note that settings for forward proxy should be set manually for be used, however reverse proxies will be disregarded in the eyes of the user. Based on the fact that an IP address belonging to the user is sent to the server where it came from by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.




There are a myriad of choices to be considered for forward proxy options:




Apache is a well-known open-source web server, that offers forward proxy functions.


Nginx: Another widely used open-source server used for web hosting that has forward proxy features.


Squid: An open-source forward proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. It's not the entire web server. Read our guide on how to install Squid proxy for private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward-looking proxy, which utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it better to handle peer-to-peer communication. You may also want to know how to set up Dante proxy for secure connections within Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy is the web server that handles the incoming requests of customers on behalf of. The web server could represent a single or multiple servers. It could additionally be an app server such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations the request for an application is received from a user via the internet. In most cases, the request would be directed directly to the web server, which will provide the information the user is seeking. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, and separates your website server from communication with the open internet.




From the viewpoint of the user's point of view, the process of using reverse proxy is similar to using a Web server to communicate in direct communication. It's the same process, and the client cannot discern the difference. The client makes a request for a resource, which is then followed by the receipt without the need for any additional configuration needed for the end user.




Reverse proxies provide functions like:




A centralized layer of security to guard the server.


The direction of traffic coming in is based upon rules that you can decide to define.


New caching functionality has been added.




While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy, reverse proxies apply this for the web server layer but not the client layer. instead of being focused on upkeep of firewalls on the layer of web servers that may contain many servers and various configurations, the majority of the firewall security is aimed at the reverse proxy layer. Also, the removal of the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with requests from clients far from web servers enables them to concentrate on delivering the needs of their customers.




In the event of multiple servers running through a reverse proxy reverse proxy is responsible to direct which requests will go to which servers. There may be several web servers that provide identical content, but offering different kinds of services or a combination of the two. These servers may be using the HTTP protocol that is a standard web server, but can include other protocols for applications servers such as FastCGI. You can also set up reverse proxy servers to redirect users to a particular server based on the service requested, or to follow specific guidelines on the volume of traffic.




Reverse proxies also take advantage of their position over web servers, by providing the ability to store data. The large static files can be configured with caching policy to avoid hitting web servers on every request. Certain applications allow users to serve static files directly without contacting servers on the internet in any manner. Furthermore, the reverse proxy can manage compressing these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server is also used as a popular reverse proxy solution. While there is an equivalent feature available within the Apache web server, it does include a reverse proxy features as an additional feature available to Apache whereas Nginx was originally designed for and is specifically designed for reverse proxy functions.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Usage Situations



Because "forward" along with "reverse" are associated with directionality, as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic The labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxy systems process requests as well as responses. Better yet, the best method to distinguish between the reverse and forward proxy types is to study the requirements of the app that you're building.




A reverse proxy can be useful when designing a solution for serving websites on the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you connect to the internet.




Forward proxy is useful when placed in front of customers to facilitate the purpose of your own use, or even in a corporate setting. They are a representation of your customer's traffic in any interactions via the internet.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the standard naming conventions could help in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



In this article, we explained what aproxy is with the two main kinds that are forward and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and a review of the attributes that are beneficial were used to identify forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about how proxies are implemented, you can check out our guide on how to set up Nginx as reverse and web server proxy for Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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