"proxy" refers to a proxy server "proxy" is a reference to proxy servers. A proxy or proxy server. It is software that acts in the middle between server and client on the internet. Without the proxy, the client could make a request to any source straight to the server and it would deliver the requested resource directly back towards the customer. It's not hard to understand and implement, using proxies can provide benefits in the form of increased performance, privacy, security, and much more. As a pass-through layer, proxy servers are a way to secure the internet between clients and servers.




In general, the collection of hardware used by servers and the software that is installed to make proxy connections is commonly called proxy servers. However, this article will focus on proxy servers which are typically described as software as well as those that are used together with web servers. The article will offer 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 specific usage that can cause confusion due to the overlapping terminology.




This article will provide you with an understanding of proxy types and their subtypes are and their value in the typical settings. After reading this article, you will be able to identify situations where a reliable proxy could be beneficial, and determine the most appropriate option between reverse proxy and forward proxy, in any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



In other words forward proxy, also referred to as an open proxy is an agent for the user trying to make the request online an server. In this case, any attempt to send requests by the client is sent through the forward proxy. In this situation, the forward proxy acting on behalf of the client will examine the request. At first, it will decide whether the client is authorized to make requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect them to their source server. The client doesn't have a an internet connection directly and is only able to access what the forward proxy allows the client to access.




The primary reason for people to use forward proxies is to provide more privacy or security online. A forward proxy uses the internet for an individual client and in this way it can use an IP address that is different from the original IP address used by the client.




Based on the way it's set up the forward proxy may offer a range of features and the capability to:




Beware of ads-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine limitations based on your location.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems to provide central security as well as access granted on a permission basis, like at work. If all internet traffic flows through a common forward proxy, the administrator may restrict only a small number of users online access, which is filtered by an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in clients, that may be used by multiple computer with various configurations and users and environments A firewall could be put in this forward proxy layer.




Be aware the fact that forward proxy servers must be manually set up before they can be used while reverse proxy servers could be ignored by clients. Depending on whether your IP address is transmitted to the origin server by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept secret.




There are many possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxy options.




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


Nginx: Another popular open-source web server that has forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy using the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't have the full Web server platform. We recommend you read our guide on the most efficient method to install Squid proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante forward proxy which runs the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP which makes it more suited for scenarios such as peer-to-peer communication. You can also research how to set up Dante proxy to allow secure connections within Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy serves in the capacity of an agent on a server that takes care of incoming requests by customers on its behalf. The web server could function as a one server or a number of servers. Additionally, it can contain an application server like Gunicorn. In any of these situations, the request may come from a user on the internet. In most cases, the request will be sent directly to the web server which holds the information that the client is asking for. A reverse proxy is a intermediary, isolating the web server from direct communication with the open internet.




From the viewpoint of the client, interfacing using reverse proxy isn't any different from the interaction directly with an internet server. It's the same thing but clients aren't able to tell the distinction. The client makes a request for the resource, and is then provided with it, without any extra configuration required for the customer.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Centralized security to web server.


Incoming traffic is directed by rules you set up.


Additional features to cache data.




While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy, reverse proxies add this benefit to the layer of the webserver, and not the client layer. Instead of focusing on sustaining firewalls at the server level which may include multiple servers that have different configurations, the majority of firewall security can be focused at the reverse proxy layer. In addition, removing the burden of interacting with firewalls and coordinating requests from clients away from web servers allows the firewall to focus on providing services.




If there are multiple servers that are running in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy can be also in charge of directing which requests go towards which servers. There could be multiple web servers operating within the same system, each providing different kinds of services or a combination of both. These servers utilize their HTTP protocol to serve as a normal web server. However, they can be equipped with applications server protocols such as FastCGI. It is possible to set up a reverse proxy to route clients to specific servers based on the resource being requested or to comply with certain guidelines regarding the amount of traffic.




Reverse proxies also have the ability to make use of their location before web servers through caching features. Massive static resources can be configured with caching policies to avoid hitting web servers every request. Certain solutions allowing you to serve static content without needing to connect to the website server at all. Additionally, the reverse proxy can be capable of compressing these assets.




The popular Nginx web server also functions as a reliable reverse proxy solution. While Apache is also an alternative to reverse proxy however, the Apache web server also comes with reverse proxy functionality, it can be a second option for Apache and Nginx was originally designed to and focuses on reverse proxy capabilities.



Distinguishing Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Examples



Because "forward" or "reverse" are associated with a sense of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic the names could be confusing because both types of proxies are able to handle requests as well as responses. In addition, the most effective method to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy services is to think about the needs of the application that you're developing.




Reverse proxy is useful when you are creating an application that can serve websites on the internet. They act as your web server in all interactions on the Internet.




A forward proxy is useful when used in front of clients for personal use or even in a professional setting. They act as a representative of your customers in all interactions via the internet.




Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing on common naming conventions will help you in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



This article describes what a "proxy" is, with two major types of proxies being the reverse proxy and forward proxy. Practical scenarios to use them and an exploration of advantageous features were used to distinguish the two types of proxy that are reverse and forward. If you're looking for ways to implement proxies you can read our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy on Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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