"proxy" is a term used to describe a server "proxy" is a reference to the fact that a proxy or proxy server is a software that sits as an intermediary between a client and a server via the internet. Without the proxy, a user would make a request to any resource straight to the server, and it would deliver the resource directly to the user. It is easy to understand and implement, adding proxies provides advantages through improved security, performance, privacy and more. As a pass-through layer, proxy servers act as a gatekeeper on the internet between servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the collection of hardware used by servers and the software that is installed to make proxy connections is often referred to as proxy servers. But, this article will concentrate on proxy servers which are typically described in terms of software and those that are used to complement web servers. This article will give a description of the two main types that are available, which include forward proxy and reverse proxy. forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage that can cause confusion due to the overlapping terminology.




This article will provide an understanding of proxy types and their subtypes and their significance in normal settings. After reading this article, you'll be able to identify scenarios where an effective proxy can be advantageous, and decide on the most suitable choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy in any circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Also forward proxy also referred to as an open proxy is an agent for an individual user trying to transmit an online request to an server. In this situation every attempt to send requests made by the client will rather be directed by an forward proxy. In this situation the forward proxy acting in the client's stead, will look into the request. At the beginning it will decide if the client is authorized to send requests via this particular forward proxy. Then, it can either reject requests or redirect them to their source server. The client doesn't have a an internet connection directly and has access only to what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.




The most popular reason for using forward proxy servers is to provide more privacy or security on the internet. Forward proxy accesses the internet for an individual client and when it does this it could utilize an IP address different from the IP address used by the user.




Depending on the method by which it's configured the forward proxy may provide a variety of features and the capability of:




Beware of ads-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You will be able to identify any limitations based on your location.




Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that provide central security and access granted on a permission basis, like, in a workplace. When all traffic on the internet flows through the common forward proxy, the administrator can allow only a handful of clients online access which is filtered by an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in this layer that can be used by multiple computers that have different configurations, users and environments, a firewall can be added to the forward proxy layer.




Be aware the fact that forward proxy servers must be manually set up before they are able to be used while reverse proxy servers could be disregarded by clients. Based on the fact that the IP address of the client has been transferred to the server that is being used by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity may be granted or kept secret.




There are a myriad of choices to consider for forward proxies.




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


Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver that comes with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy using the HTTP protocol. It doesn't provide the full web-based server. Check out our guide on the best way to install Squid proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante forward proxy which runs using the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP this makes it better suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer connections. You can also research how to configure Dante proxy for secure connections within Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions to act as an agent of a web server. It takes care of incoming requests by customers on its behalf. The web server may function as a single server, or as a series of servers. In addition, it could contain an application server such as Gunicorn. In either case, the request might be made by a user of the internet in general. In most cases, the request will be sent directly to the web server that holds the data the client is asking for. In contrast, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, isolating the web server from direct interaction with the internet's open.




From the perspective of the user, working via reverse proxy doesn't differ from the interaction with an internet server direct. It's the same thing but clients aren't able to tell the difference. The client asks for a resource and then receives it, with no extra configuration required from the user.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Security centralized for web servers.


Incoming traffic is directed by rules you can establish.


Additional features for caching.




Central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies add this feature to that layer on the webserver and not the client layer. Instead of focusing on sustaining firewalls at the server layer which could comprise several servers that have different configurations, the majority of firewall security is concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. In addition, removing the responsibility of communicating with firewalls and communicating with requests by clients away from web servers allows firewalls to focus on supplying resources.




In the event of multiple servers operating through a reverse proxy the reverse proxy could be also responsible for directing what requests are directed to which servers. Multiple web servers might be operating from the same host, each serving various kinds of resources or a mixture of the two. These servers use their HTTP protocol to serve as an ordinary web server. They can also be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can create a reverse proxy to route the clients to specific servers in accordance with the resource requested or to comply with certain rules regarding the amount of traffic.




Reverse proxies are also able to take advantage of their position prior to web servers using caching features. Large static assets can be configured with caching policy to prevent hitting web servers every request. Certain solutions allowing you to serve static content directly, without having to connect to a servers in any manner. In addition reverse proxy can be capable of compressing these assets.




The popular Nginx web server is also used as a powerful reverse proxy solution. Although Apache is also an alternative to reverse proxy however, it is not the only one. Apache web server also has reverse proxy functions, which is an additional option for Apache and Nginx was originally designed to and concentrates specifically on the reverse proxy features.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" or "reverse" are associated with a sense of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic the labels could be confusing, because both types of proxies can handle requests as well as responses. The best method of separating the reverse as well as forward proxy is to take into account the requirements of the app that you are developing.




A reverse proxy could be useful when you are creating an option to host web applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers in any interactions through the Internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when used in front of customers for your own usage, or even in a corporate setting. They are your client's representative in all interactions via the internet.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the similar naming conventions will assist you in making sure that there is no confusion.



Conclusion



This article explains what is a "proxy" is and the two types that are the reverse proxy and forward proxy. Practical scenarios for its use and an exploration of advantageous characteristics were used to define different types of proxies both reverse and forward. If you're interested exploring how to make proxies work, read our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as an HTTP server and reverse proxy on Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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