An proxy or proxy server is a program that acts in the middle between a client and server over the internet. Without proxy, a user will send a request to the resource directly to a server, and then the server would serve direct to the client. While this is a simple method to understand and use, adding proxies offers advantages, such as more performance, privacy and security, among others. As an additional layer of moving through, proxies serve as a safeguard for the internet, separating servers and users.




The bundled package of server hardware with the software to install proxy servers is commonly called proxy servers. However, this article will concentrate on the proxy servers which are generally described as software, as and those employed to complement web servers. We will present a summary of the two main types of proxies, those that are a one that is forward and the reverse proxy. Each has its own specific usage that can cause confusion due to a similar terminology.




This article will give you an understanding of what proxies and their subtypes are, as well as their benefits in a range of configurations. After reading the article you will understand what situations in which a proxy is advantageous, and decide on the most appropriate option for forward proxy or reverse proxy based on the situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy, also known in the context of the open proxy serves as a representative for a user who is trying to make an online request to a server. In this case, the whole request sent by the client will be controlled by the forward proxy. Forward proxy acting in the place of the client, will examine the request. The first step is to determine whether the client has been granted permission to send requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then deny a request and forward it to the origin server. The client does not have direct connection to the internet. It can access only the information that the forward proxy allows it access to.




One of the most common uses for forward proxies is to provide greater privacy or security online. The forward proxy can connect to the internet instead of a client, and during this process it is using an alternative IP address that is different from the client's initial IP address.




Based on how it is set up in accordance with the configuration, forward proxy may provide a variety of functions depending on how it is configured, which allows you to:




Avoid ad tracking.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find out the restrictions that apply to your location.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems of centralized security and permission based access, for instance, in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through a common forward proxy, a administrator is able to limit access for only a select set of users to the internet, which is filtered through an common firewall. Instead of having firewalls in place for the client layer that could comprise a range of devices with diverse environments and users, you can install a firewall located at the forward proxy layer.




It is essential to note that forward proxy servers need to be manually configured for be utilized, whereas reverse proxy servers may be hidden from clients. Based on the type of IP address the client, it will be passed to the server that originated it through the forward proxy, privacy and security may be granted or left secret.




There are a variety of options to be considered for forward proxies




Apache The most well-known open source web server that provides forward proxy capability.


Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy features.


Squid: A free forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire website server software. It is possible to read our guide on how to configure Squid proxy to allow private connections with Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more suited to use in instances such as peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to setup the Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary for a web server that handles any requests made by clients on its behalf. Web servers can consist of a single server, or several servers. Additionally, it could include an application server, such as Gunicorn. In both cases, the request will come from an internet user generally. The majority of the time, your request is sent directly to the web server which has all the resources the client is in need of. Contrarily, a reverse proxy works as an intermediary that isolates Web server from direct contact with the open internet.




From the consumer's point of view, interacting with reverse proxy is not any different from interacting with an internet server direct. It's basically the same but the user is unable to see the difference. The client asks for this resource and receives it without additional configuration needed to be completed by the client.




Reverse proxies can provide features such as:




A central layer of security that protects the server.


Controlling traffic coming inbound according to rules you can establish.


A new feature for caching has been added.




While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxies, reverse proxies provide this feature only to the server layer and not the layer that clients use. instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers which can comprise multiple servers and different configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interacting with a firewall and interacting with requests from clients outside of web servers allows the firewall to focus on delivering the needs of their customers.




If there are multiple servers operating within a reverse proxy, it controls which requests are directed towards which servers. A number of web servers could be running on the same server, serving different types of resources or a mix of both. These servers use the HTTP protocol just like a conventional web server. However, they could also be equipped with other protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can configure reverse proxy settings to direct the clients to specific servers based on the kind of resource they're looking for, or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies are also able to gain advantages from their positioning prior to web servers, through providing caching functions. Large static assets can to be set up with caching rules to avoid having to connect with web servers every time you request. Certain software solutions allow you to deliver static files directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. Additionally reverse proxy is able to manage compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server is also used as an effective reverse proxy option. Although it is true it's true Apache website server also fitted with an reverse proxy which can be used in conjunction with Apache however Nginx was originally built for and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Examples



Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, they can lead to inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic. They can be confusing as both types of proxy services process requests and response. The best way to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy service is to take into account the needs of the application that you're developing.




Reverse proxy can be useful when you are designing a system to provide web-based services via the internet. They function as servers for any interaction with the Internet.




Forward proxy software is advantageous when presented to the client for your personal usage or in a professional context. They represent your customers whenever you use the internet.




Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the common naming conventions can assist in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarified what a proxy is along with two kinds: forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications and an examination of the benefits were used to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the implementation of proxies then you should follow our guide on how to configure Nginx as a reverse proxy using Apache on the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



If you have any inquiries with regards to wherever and how to use Proxy Sites - www.alonegocio.net.br -, you can contact us at our web site.