proxy is also referred to as a proxy is often referred to for its role as a proxy server a software that sits as a mediator between a client and server on the internet. Without proxy servers, users could send a request for any service directly from the server and then the server would give an item directly for the requester. This method is simple to grasp and use however, the addition of proxy servers may provide benefits in terms of more speed, privacy and security, and much more. Alongside offering a security layer, a proxy acts as a gatekeeper for the internet between clients and servers.




It is generally accepted that the bundle of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is often referred to as a proxy server. This article we will focus on proxies traditionally classified as software and within the context of web servers. The article will give a detailed breakdown of the two primary types of proxies: that is a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each one has its own use scenario that is often not understood due to the common name convention.




This article will give you some understanding about what proxies and subtypes are as well as the ways they are useful in various configurations. Through this article, you'll be able discern the scenarios where a proxy is beneficial, and decide on the appropriate choice between forward and reverse proxy for any particular scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy, also known in the form of open proxy. An open proxy is a proxy for a user trying to send a request through the internet to an source server. In this situation, any request made by the user will be handled by an forward proxy. The forward proxy, in the place of the client will review the request. It will first determine if the client has been authorized to receive requests from this particular forward proxy. Then, it'll either refuse requests or redirect them to the source server. It's not able direct connection directly to internet. It can only access what forward proxy allows it access to.




A common use for forward proxy is the requirement for greater security or privacy when using the internet. Forward proxy connects to the internet as a client and through this process, it uses an alternative IP address in addition to your client's IP address.




Depending on how it has been configured in accordance with the way it was configured, a forward proxy could provide a variety of functions, allowing users to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine restrictions based upon your geolocation.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems that give central security and access through permissions, like in a workplace. The entire internet can go by an open forward proxy. administrators can restrict access for specific individuals to access the web, and this is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls on this layer of client, which may be utilized by a variety of computers with different settings and users. A firewall may be placed at this forward proxy layer.




Take note that forward proxies require manual setup in order to allow them to be used however reverse proxies won't be detected by the user. Depending on whether the IP address of a user is transmitted to the original server through forward proxy Privacy and anonymity may be granted or hidden.




There are a variety of options to consider in the case of forward proxy services.




Apache: A popular open-source web server, which offers forward proxy features.


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


Squid is an Open Source Forward Proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the complete web server. There is a step-bystep guide to setup Squid proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP, making it more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer traffic. You can also look at how to set up a Dante proxy that allows private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy functions as an intermediary to a web server that handles any requests that come in from clients its place. The server could function as a single server or a number of servers. Furthermore, it could include an application servers, like Gunicorn. It is possible to get a request from a customer via the web at large. Most of the time, the request would be made directly to the web server hosting the data the client wants. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to isolate your web server from communication with the internet's public.




From a consumer's point viewpoint, or an individual's view, interacting with reverse proxy isn't different from interacting with the server by itself. It's functionally identical to Web server and user isn't able to tell the difference. Clients can request the resource and is then provided with it, with no extra configuration required from the user.




Reverse proxies grant features like:




Security centralized to web server.


Controlling traffic coming in according to rules you design.


Added functionality for caching.




While central security is an advantage for both forward and reverse proxy systems, reverse proxies do this service to the web server layer, but not the layer of clients. instead of having firewalls installed at the layer of web servers which might comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the majority of firewall security is concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the absence of connecting to a firewall and interacting with requests from clients that do not use web servers lets them focus on meeting the requirements of their clients.




In the case of multiple servers being hosted through reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also takes care of directing which requests are routed on which server. Multiple web servers could be offering the identical service, however each providing different types of resources, or a combination of the two. They can utilize the HTTP protocol similarly to an ordinary web server however, they could also be equipped with application server protocols like FastCGI. You can create a reverse proxy to direct clients to an individual server depending on the resource they are looking for, or to observe specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxy solutions can also profit from their placement on top of web servers through the caching feature. Large static files can be arranged by caching rules to avoid hitting web servers every time you request. Some applications allow the server to serve static files directly without having to connect to a web server at all. In addition, the reverse proxy is able to compress these files.




The popular Nginx web server can also function as a well-known reverse proxy solution. While it's real that Apache web server comes with reverse proxy function, it's an alternative option. Apache in contrast to Nginx was designed initially to and focused on reverse proxy functionality.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality, they can lead to misleading comparisons to "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic. These labels can confuse because both types of proxies manage requests and responses. A better approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy services is to consider the needs of the application you're developing.




Reverse proxy is an essential feature when building a solution to deliver web-based applications to the internet. They are your web servers in any interaction with the internet.




Forward proxy applications can be useful when they are displayed in front of clients to use for personal purposes, or in a workplace. They can be used to represent the client's activity when you use the internet.




Utilizing case-based distinction instead of focusing only on the most common names will help you not become confused.



Conclusion



This article clarified what a "proxy" is with the two main kinds being forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a review of beneficial features were utilized to distinguish between forward proxy from reverse proxy. If you're considering how to set up proxies, read our guide on how to set up Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy on Apache on Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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