A proxy is also known as a proxy server is software that acts as an intermediary between a client and a server on the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users can send a request for something directly through a server and the server will deliver the resource directly back to the user. While this is a simple method to comprehend and implement the addition of proxies could offer advantages in terms increased performance, privacy, security, and much more. Alongside providing a layer of security they also serve as a security guardian for the internet, separating clients from servers.




The consensus is that the server hardware and proxy software is often referred to proxy servers. However, this article will be focusing on proxies typically classified as software and within the web server context. We will present a summary of the two principal kinds of proxies, which include a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has its own use, which can be confusing due to the same naming convention.




This article will provide you with an idea of the nature of proxies and what their subtypes are and how they work in the common configurations. In this article, you'll be able to identify the scenarios where it's beneficial to utilize a proxy and make the right choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy in any circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



In another way a forward proxy, also known as an open proxy acts as a representative of a client who wants to forward a request via the internet to an origin server. In this situation, any request made by the client's side will be directed directly to the forward proxy. This forward proxy in instead of the user, will examine the request. The first step is to determine if this client has the right to receive requests from this particular forward proxy. It will then decide if it is authorized to reject an request and forward it to the original server. The client isn't able to have direct access to the internet. It only has access to what the forward proxy permits the client access.




The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy servers is to increase privacy or security when surfing the internet. Forward proxy allows you to connect to the internet in place of a client, and as such, it may utilize an IP address that is different from the original IP address utilized by the client.




Depending on how they've been set up in the past forward proxy servers are able to provide a range of options and allow you to:




Beware of ad-tracker.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can identify restrictions based upon your geographic location.




Forward proxies may also be used in systems that provide centralized security and permission based access, such as in a workplace. If all internet traffic flows via an open forward proxy layer, administrators can restrict access to only those clients who are and filter it through a standard firewall. Instead of putting firewalls to protect the client layer, which could include a variety of machines that have different environments and users, the firewall could be put into the forward proxy layer.




Be aware that forward proxy settings have to be manually configured for use to use, while reverse proxy settings are ignored by clients. Based on whether the IP address of a user is transmitted to the source server via the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or not.




There are several possibilities to consider when it comes to forward proxy options:




Apache is a well-known open-source web server with forward proxy features.


Nginx: Another renowned open-source webserver, this one with forward proxy features.


Squid is a free forward proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire Web server service. Take a look at our step-bystep guide to create Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante forward proxy that runs the SOCKS protocol, instead of HTTP this makes it more appropriate for scenarios such as peer-topeer traffic. You can also look into the procedure for installing an Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as a representative of web servers, which handles the incoming requests of clients in its place. The web server may include one server or several servers. Additionally, it can be a server for applications like Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios, an application request is made by a user on the internet as a whole. In the majority of cases, the request will be directed directly to the web server with the information the client is seeking. Reverse proxy, however, acts as an intermediary, shielding Web servers from direct contact with the web's public.




From a consumer's point of view that is a user's viewpoint, interfacing using a reverse proxy is identical to working with direct connections to an internet server. It's the same, but the user is unable to be able to discern the differences. The client asks for an item and receives it, without any additional configuration needed on the part of the client.




Reverse proxies can provide features such as:




Centrally secured to protect Web Server Layer.


Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you can set up.


The caching feature was added to the application.




While centralized security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies provide this benefit only to the server layer and only the layer that clients use. Instead of having firewalls running on the web server layer, which could contain multiple servers and various configurations, the majority of firewall security can be concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of interfacing with a firewall as well as dealing with requests from clients outside of web servers permits them to concentrate on serving the needs of their customers.




In the event that there's multiple servers being hosted using a reverse-proxy, the reverse proxy will also be responsible for directing what requests go to which server. There may be several web servers providing identical content providing various types of resources or a mixture of both. They can use the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as an ordinary web server but they can include additional protocols for applications servers, such as FastCGI. It is also possible to set up a reverse proxy to direct clients to specific servers in accordance with the requested resource or comply with specific rules pertaining to traffic load.




Reverse proxies also can make use of their location ahead of web servers, by providing the ability to cache. The large static files can be set up using caching rules to prevent the web server from being hit with each request. There are solutions that permit the server to serve static assets immediately without needing to connect to a web server even once. In addition reverse proxy is able to control compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy solution. While Apache is also a reverse proxy option but the Apache web server also comes complete with the reverse proxy feature, it is an additional attribute of Apache however Nginx was initially designed to focus on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Examples



Since "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality, as well as false comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing since both types of proxy are able to handle requests and responses. A better approach to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy is to examine the requirements of the program you're building.




A reverse proxy could be helpful when building a solution to provide web-based applications on the internet. They act as your web server whenever you connect to the internet.




Forward proxy can be beneficial when it is placed in front of clients for personal use, or in an office environment. They represent your customers when you interact with the internet.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing solely on common naming conventions can aid in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article defined the meaning of a proxy using two types that are forward and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and a discussion of the most beneficial characteristics were employed to identify between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested to learn more about how to implement proxies you can check out our guide on how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy with Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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