The phrase "proxy" is a reference to the fact that a proxy or proxy server. It is software that functions as mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, a user could make a request for the server directly and the server would provide direct access to that resource. While this is a simple method to comprehend and implement using proxy servers, it could provide advantages in terms of enhanced performance and privacy, security and many more. In addition, a passing through, proxies serve as a security guardian of the internet between clients and servers.




The combined mixture of the server's hardware as well as proxy software is generally known as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically described as software as well as in the context of web servers. This article will give an explanation of the two kinds: forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind has its own unique usage situation, and is frequently misunderstood due to the similar namesake convention.




This article will give you the understanding of what proxies and subtypes are and what they can perform in the most commonly used configurations. After having read this article, you'll be able to identify the scenarios where using proxies can be advantageous and select the best option between reverse proxy and forward proxy depending on the situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy sometimes known as an open proxy is an agent for users who are seeking to make an internet request to a source server. In this instance, the entire attempt to send requests from the client is instead sent by this forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client will review the request. It will first determine if the client is authorized to make requests through this specific forward proxy. It then decides whether to deny requests or redirect them to the original server. The client does not have an internet connection directly. It is able to access only the information that the forward proxy permits it to access.




The most common reason to use forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy links to the internet, not the client. In this process, it uses an IP address that is different from the IP address used by the user.




Based on how it has been set up the forward proxy can provide many functions, based on how it is configured that lets you:




Beware of ads-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find restrictions that are based on your location.




Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that offer security centrally and access based on user permissions such as in workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows via an open forward proxy an administrator can limit access to only certain clients to the internet. This is blocked by the standard firewall. Instead of creating firewalls for the client layer, which could include multiple machines with different settings and users, the firewall can be set up at the layer which forwards proxy traffic.




Be aware that forward proxy servers must be manually set up to use and reverse proxies can be ignored by the client. Depending on the type IP address of the user's IP address, the server which originated it by forward proxy privacy and anonymity could be granted or hidden.




There are many options to consider in the case of forward proxy options:




Apache is an incredibly well-known open source web server that provides forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy which uses an HTTP protocol. It's not part of the complete webserver system. We have a tutorial on how to install Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better to handle situations like peer-to-peer communication. You can also understand how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as an agent for a web server that handles incoming requests from clients for. The web server may be a single server or even multiple servers. It could also serve as an application server such as Gunicorn. In all cases, the request will be made via the internet, generally. In most cases, requests will then be sent direct to a server that hosts the information that the user is looking for. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary, detaching this webserver from direct connections with the open internet.




From the perspective of the user, the experience of working with reverse proxy isn't any different from interacting with your webserver directly. It's essentially the same but the client cannot discern the distinction. The client makes an order for an item, and then receives it, with no further configuration required from the user.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Centralized security on webservers.


Direction of the traffic coming in is determined by rules you set up.


The caching function was added to the application.




While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers. Reverse proxies offer this benefit to only the server layer and not to the client layer. instead of the maintenance of firewalls on the web server layer which may comprise several servers with various configurations, the majority protection of the firewall is centered in the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interacting with firewalls and responding to requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.




If there are multiple servers operating as a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also is accountable for directing the requests directed to which servers. There could be several web servers that provide the identical service, however each offering different kinds of resources, or a mix of both. They can utilize the HTTP protocol to serve as a standard web server, but they can also be equipped with application server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to create reverse proxy servers to redirect users to specific servers based on the requested resource, or adhere to certain rules regarding the volume of traffic.




Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position over web servers by offering the ability to store data. The large static files can be configured with caching rules to avoid the web server from being hit with each request. Some solutions allowing users to upload static files directly without having to connect to a servers in any manner. Furthermore reverse proxy has the capability to compress these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a very popular reverse proxy service. While Apache has a reverse proxy option however, the Apache web server has a reverse proxy capability as an added option for Apache and Nginx was initially developed for and focuses on the reverse proxy feature.



The difference between Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Examples



Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic could be confusing since both types of proxies deal with requests and responses. An alternative approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to examine the specifications of the application you're developing.




A reverse proxy could be helpful in the design of a method to offer web-based applications over the internet. They act as your web server when you are on the web.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is placed in front of clients to use for personal purposes, or in a work setting. Forward proxy is a representation of the traffic of your client whenever you connect to the internet.




A case-based approach to differentiation instead of using commonly used naming conventions can assist in eliminating confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarified the definition of a proxy by comparing the two primary types that are forward and the reverse proxy. Examples of how to use them as well as a discussion of most effective features were employed to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in exploring the benefits of proxy servers, you can learn how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy to Apache using the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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