The word "proxy" is a reference to the fact that a proxy or proxy server is an application which acts as a mediator between client and server via the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, users could submit a request for the server directly and the server would provide direct access to that resource. While this is a simple method to understand and implement with proxies, it can provide advantages in terms of improved performance privacy, security, and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through a proxy serves as a security guardian for the internet between servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the combination of server hardware as well as proxy software is generally called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically described as software, as well as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide details of two main kinds: forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage situation, and is frequently confused due to the similar namesake convention.




This article will provide the basics of what proxies and subtypes can do and how they perform in the most common configurations. After reading this article, you'll be able to determine the scenarios where the use of proxy servers is advantageous and select the most appropriate option between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy also referred to by the name of open proxy. An open proxy is a proxy for the user seeking to make an online request to an source server. In this instance, the entire process of sending requests from the client will instead be sent through this forward proxy. Forward proxy acting in the place of the client, will examine the request. It will first determine if clients are authorized to submit requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then either refuse requests or redirect it to the server that originally made the request. The client is not able to have direct connection to the internet. It can access only the information that the forward proxy permits it to connect to.




The most common reason for using forward proxy is the need to increase security or privacy on the internet. Forward proxy connects to internet instead of the client and, in this way, it is using an IP address distinct from the original IP address that the user is using.




Based on how it has been created, the forward proxy will provide many functions, based on how it is configured, which lets you:




Beware of Ad-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find restrictions that are based on your location.




Forward proxies are also employed in systems that offer security centrally and access based on permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy, an administrator can limit access to a limited number of users accessing the internet, which is blocked by the standard firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls for the client layer, which could include multiple devices that have different settings and users the firewall could be installed at the layer that forwards proxy traffic.




Be aware that forward proxy servers need to be manually configured for use, and reverse proxies can be ignored in the eyes of the user. Depending on the type of the IP address that the user, it is sent to the server from which it originated by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.




There are many alternatives to think about when it comes to forward proxy alternatives:




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


Nginx is another well-known open-source web server that comes with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is a forward-proxy open source that utilizes an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the complete webserver system. We've got a guide on how you can use Squid proxy to enable private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more to handle situations like peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to discover how to configure Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy is the agent of a web server which handles requests from clients on behalf of. The web server may comprise a single server, or even multiple servers. It can also function in the role of an application server such as Gunicorn. The request will be made through the internet generally. In the majority of cases, requests will then be transmitted directly to the server hosting the content that the user is looking for. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary, separating this webserver from direct interactions with the internet's open.




From the point of view of the user, the experience of working with reverse proxy is no distinct from connecting to your website server directly. It's basically the same, but the client is unable to discern the distinction. The client makes a request for an item, and then receives it without any further configuration required for the customer.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Centralized security on webservers.


Direction of the traffic entering is based on rules you set up.


The caching feature was added to the application.




While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers. However, reverse proxy services provide this benefit only to the server layer, not the layer that clients use. instead of the maintenance of firewalls at the web server layer which may comprise several servers with various configurations, the bulk protection of the firewall is placed on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the burden of dealing with firewalls and dealing with requests from clients who do not have web servers lets them concentrate on the requirements of their customers.




If there are multiple servers running in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is also responsible for directing which requests are directed to which servers. There could be multiple web servers offering the identical service, however each offering different kinds of resources or a mixture of both. They can utilize their HTTP protocol to operate as a normal web server, but they can also be equipped with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. It is possible to create a reverse proxy to redirect users to specific servers based on the requested resource, or adhere to certain guidelines regarding the amount of traffic.




Reverse proxies also can benefit from their location above web servers, by providing the capability to store data. The large static files can be set up using caching rules to prevent from hitting web servers with each request. Some applications allow users to upload static files without needing to connect to a servers in any manner. In addition reverse proxy has the capability to compress these files.




The popular Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy option. Even though Apache has a reverse proxy option however, it is not a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server also has reverse proxy feature as an extra option for Apache however Nginx was originally designed and is focused specifically on reverse proxy features.



Distinguishing the use of forward and reverse proxy Examples



Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality and false comparisons are made to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic can be confusing as both types of proxies deal with requests and responses. A better approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to examine the specifications of the application that you're constructing.




A reverse proxy could be useful in the development of a solution to provide web-based applications on the internet. They act as your web server whenever you use the internet.




Forward proxy is useful when it is placed in front of clients for personal use, or in a workplace. Forward proxy is a representation of the traffic of your client when you use the internet.




The use of case-based distinction instead of using the most common naming conventions can help in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



The article delineated the meaning of a proxy with the two main types of proxy: the forward proxy as well as the reverse one. Examples of practical use and a discussion of most beneficial features were used to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in exploring the benefits of proxy servers, you can follow our guide on how to set up Nginx as an Internet server and reverse proxy to Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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