A proxy is also known as proxy servers is software that acts as a mediator between a client and server on the internet. Without the need for a proxy, a user will send a request for the item to an online server, and the server would then deliver the item directly to the user. While this is a simple method to understand and implement, the addition of proxy servers can bring advantages in terms of enhanced performance, privacy, security, and much more. In addition to adding a layer of security proxy servers also act as a security guardian of the internet, separating clients from servers.




The general consensus is that the collection of server hardware along with installed proxy software is also frequently known as proxy servers. But, this article will concentrate on the proxies that are typically categorized as software, and in the context of web servers. We will present a summary of the two primary types, namely which are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own usage and can be confusing due to a similar name convention.




This article will provide you with an idea of the proxy's purpose and what subtypes they are, as well as how they function in typical setups. In the article you'll learn to determine the situations where it's beneficial to use a proxy, and decide on the appropriate choice between forward and reverse proxy, in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



In other words forward proxy also referred to as open proxy. In other words, an open proxy acts as a representative of a customer who wishes to forward a request via the internet to an source server. In this scenario every attempt to send requests from the client will instead be sent straight through the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in the instead of the user, will look into the request. It will first determine if the client is authorized to receive requests from this specific forward proxy. It then decides whether to reject an request and forward it to the server that originally received it. The client is unable to directly access the internet. It only has access to what the forward proxy grants it access to.




The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy servers is to increase privacy or security when surfing the internet. A forward proxy is able to access the internet in the place of a client and as such it could employ an alternative IP address to the original IP address that the client uses.




Depending on how it's been set up in the past forward proxy servers may provide a range of choices and permit you to:




Beware of ad-tracker.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine limitations based on your geographical location.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems that provide central security and authorization based access, like in the workplace. When all traffic on the internet passes via an open forward proxy layer, administrators can restrict access to only those clients who are filtered through an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls to protect the client layer, which could include a variety of machines that have different user and environment the firewall could be placed in the forward proxy layer.




It is important to note that settings for forward proxy have to be configured manually to function in reverse proxies, whereas forward proxy settings are not recognized by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of the client is passed to the original server through the forward proxy privacy and anonymity could be granted or denied.




There are several options to take into consideration when it comes to forward proxy options:




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


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


Squid: A free forward proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. It doesn't provide a complete web server solution. Check out our step-by-step guide to install Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante forward proxy which runs using the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP this makes it more appropriate for scenarios such as peer-to-topeer traffic. You can also examine the steps to install the Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as a representation of a web server that handles any requests that come in from clients in its place. The web server could comprise one server or several servers. It could also be a server for applications such as Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios the request for an application comes through the internet as a whole. In the majority of cases the request will be sent directly to the web server with the information the client is seeking. A reverse proxy works as an intermediary, protecting Web servers from direct interactions with the public internet.




From a consumer's point perspective, which is also a user's viewpoint, interfacing using a reverse proxy is similar to working with direct connections to an internet server. It's exactly the same thing, however the client is unable to see the differences. The client requests the resource, and is then provided with it, without any additional configuration required from the client.




Reverse proxies can provide features such as:




Centrally secured to protect Web Server Layer.


Controlling traffic coming inbound according to rules you can create.


The caching feature was added to the application.




While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the server layer, and not the client layer. Instead of managing firewalls at the web server layer, which may contain many servers and different configurations, the majority of firewall security can be focused at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of interfacing with a firewall and also interacting with requests from clients without the need for web servers enables them to concentrate on providing the requirements of their clients.




When there is a multitude of servers being hosted with a reverse-proxy the reverse proxy is also responsible to direct which requests are routed at which server. There could be multiple web servers offering the same content, providing various types of resources or a combination of both. These servers may be running the HTTP protocol similar to a traditional web server, but they can include different protocols for application servers such as FastCGI. You can also set up reverse proxy servers to direct clients to specific servers based upon the requested resource or adhere to specific rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also make use of their location before web servers by delivering caching capabilities. The large static files can be configured with caching rules to avoid from hitting web servers on every request. There are solutions that permit you to serve static assets immediately without needing to connect to a web server even once. In addition, the reverse proxy can control compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server also functions as an extremely popular reverse proxy service. Even though Apache is also a reverse proxy option but it is not a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is also equipped with a reverse proxy functionality as an additional attribute of Apache whereas Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on its reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Examples



Since "forward" or "reverse" are associated with directionality, as well as false comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic the labels could be confusing, since both types of proxy are able to handle requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to study the specifications of the application you're building.




A reverse proxy can be useful when designing a solution to provide web-based services over the internet. They are your web servers when you interact on the internet.




Forward proxy can be beneficial when placed in front of clients to use for personal reasons or in an office environment. They are your client's representative when you connect to the internet.




The use of case-based differentiation instead of focusing on common naming conventions can aid in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarified the definition of a proxy using two types of proxy: the forward one and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a review of the most beneficial characteristics were employed to identify between forward and reverse proxies. If you're interested in knowing more about how to implement proxy servers, you can refer to our guide on how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy with Apache using the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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