A proxy is can also be referred to as an application called a proxy server that serves as a mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, users could send a request to resources directly to a server, and servers would serve requests directly for the resource requested by the client. Although this may be a straightforward procedure to comprehend and use, proxy servers can provide benefits like improved performance, privacy, security, and much more. As an additional pass-through layer they act as a gatekeeper of the internet between clients and servers.

In general, the integrated package of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is typically referred as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers which are usually regarded as software, as well as when referring to web servers. The article will provide a description of the two main types of proxy servers, which include a forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each has its own usage scenario, which is often misunderstood because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.

This article will give you an understanding of 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 discern the scenarios where it is beneficial to use proxy services and make the right choice between forward and reverse proxy in any circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy, also known in the context of the open proxy acts as the representative of the client in making an internet-based request to the server which made it. In this scenario, all attempts to send requests made by the user will instead be sent directly to the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy acting on behalf of the client will examine the request. It first will determine if the client can send requests through this particular forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect them to the original server. The client is not capable of having direct access to the internet. It is only able to access what the forward proxy allows the client to access.

The primary reason people use forward proxies is to improve privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet to replace an individual client and during this manner it could make use of 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 provide a variety of functions and allow you to:

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  Avoid tracking ads.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Determine restrictions based on place of residence.
  
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Forward proxies may also be employed in systems that offer central security and access based upon permissions, like at work. If all traffic on the internet flows through a common forward proxy layer the administrator can grant only a small number of clients connection to internet using an ordinary firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on the client layer, which can involve many machines with different settings and users, it is possible to set up the firewall configured the proxy layer that is front.

Take note that forward proxies must be manually set up to allow them to be used, whereas reverse proxies can be ignored by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of the client is sent to the source server via the forward proxy privacy and security can be granted or left transparent.

There are a number of alternatives to look into for forward proxies:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy features.
  
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  Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Squid: An Open Source Forward Proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include the entire website server program. We have a tutorial on how to use Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante is a forward proxy that operates the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP to make it more suited for cases such as peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to understand how to set up a Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as an agent for the web server, taking care of incoming requests from clients on its behalf. The web server can comprise one server or several servers. Additionally, it can function as an app server for instance, Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios the request will be made by a user through the internet at large. In the majority of cases the request is made directly to the website server hosting the information the client wants. A reverse proxy is a intermediary to shield Web servers from direct contact with the internet's public.

From the point of view from a client's perspective, using reverse proxy isn't the same as working with a Web server in direct contact. It's functionally the same but the client can't discern the difference. The client requests the resource and it then gets it without any extra configuration required from the user.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  A central layer of security that protects the server.
  
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  Controlling traffic that is inbound according to rules you can configure.
  
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  New caching functionality has been added.
  
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While central security is a benefit for both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the layer that is on the webserver, and not the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level that may comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Also, the removal of the responsibility of interacting with firewalls as well as interfacing with requests from clients off of web servers allows the firewall to focus on supplying the resources.

In the event of multiple servers participating in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy determines which requests go at the server. There may be several web servers that provide the same content, offering various kinds of services, or a mixture of both. They could use the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as an ordinary web server. However, they can be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure a reverse proxy to send visitors to a particular server based on the service requested, or to adhere to certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies also benefit from their positioning prior to web servers through the capability to store data. Massive static resources can be configured with caching rules in order to avoid having to call web servers for every request, with some solutions even allowing you to serve static content directly without having to connect to the web server for even one time. Additionally, the reverse proxy can manage the compression on these resources.

The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a powerful reverse proxy solution. While Apache can also be a reverse proxy option, the Apache web server is also fitted with an reverse proxy function as an added option for Apache unlike Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases

Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, as well as false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing because both types of proxies manage the process of responding to requests. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxies is to examine the specifications of the application you're developing.

Reverse proxy is an effective tool when you are developing a solution to serve applications on the web via the internet. They represent your web servers whenever you interact on the internet.

A forward proxy is helpful when placed in front of clients for your personal use or in a professional environment. They are a representation of your client's traffic for any online interaction.

Separating by use case instead of focusing on the similar naming conventions will assist you in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarifies the meaning of a proxy, with two types: the forward proxy as well as the reverse. Practical scenarios for application and an exploration of beneficial attributes were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested in exploring implementation of proxies we recommend you learn how to configure Nginx to act as an Internet server as well as reverse proxy to Apache in the Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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