An proxy or proxy server is a program that sits in the middle between client and server via the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users could send a request for the resource directly to a server, and then the server would serve direct to the client. This method is simple to understand and use, using proxies has advantages such as greater performance, privacy, security, and much more. As an additional layer moving through, proxies serve as a guardian for the internet, separating servers and clients.

It is generally accepted that the combination of server hardware and the software for proxy installation is often referred to as proxy servers. But, this article will focus on proxy servers that are typically described as software as well as those that are used together with web servers. We will give a synopsis of the two main types of proxies: the one that is forward and the reverse proxy. Each has its own specific usage, which can be confusing because of a similar language.

This article will give you an idea of the types of proxies and subtypes they are, as well as their utility in a variety of configurations. Through the article you will be aware of what situations that a proxy can be advantageous, and decide on the best option for forward proxy or reverse proxy depending on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known by the name of the open proxy is a proxy for a client that attempts to connect online to a server. In this case, the whole attempt to send requests from the client will rather be directed by the forward-proxy. The forward proxy, in the place of the client will examine the request. First, it will verify if the client has been granted permission to send requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then reject an application and send it back to its original server. The client does not have direct access to the internet. It can access only the information that the forward proxy permits the client to connect.

One of the most common uses for forward proxy is increased privacy or security on the internet. The forward proxy can connect to internet in place of a client and in this process it is using an alternative IP address that is different from the client's original IP address.

Based on the way it is configured according to the method of configuration forward proxy can provide a variety of functions depending on how it's configured, which allows users to:

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  Do not be a victim of ad tracking.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Identify restrictions based on your location.
  
  

Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that use centralized security and based access, for instance, in workplaces. When all internet traffic is routed through a common forward proxy, an administrator can restrict access for only a select set of users to the internet through an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place for the client layer that could comprise a range of machines that have various environments and users, there is the possibility to have a firewall at the forward proxy layer.

It is important to remember the fact that forward proxy servers have to be manually configured for be utilized, whereas reverse proxy servers are often not noticed by clients. Based on the kind of IP address the client, it is sent to the server which created it through forward proxy, privacy and security can be granted or kept secret.

There are a myriad of options to be considered when it comes to forward proxy options:

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server offering forward proxy capability.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open source web server with forward proxy features.
  
  
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  Squid: An open-source forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete website server software. You can read our instructions on how to configure Squid proxy to allow private connections with Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP and is better for use in situations such as peer-to -peer traffic. You can also understand how to configure an Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as a representative of a web server that handles incoming requests by clients on behalf of. The web server could consist of a single server, or several servers. In addition, it could serve as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In both cases, the request is made by a user on the internet in general. The majority of the time the request will be transmitted directly to the server, which is equipped with all the resources the client is needs. However reverse proxy functions as an intermediary and isolates Web server from direct interaction with the open internet.

From the consumer's point of the consumer's perspective, working with reverse proxy is not different from interacting with an internet server direct. It's pretty much the same, and the client cannot be able to discern the difference. The client requests it, then it receives it without extra configuration that must be done by the customer.

Reverse proxies can provide features such as:

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  A central layer of security that protects the server.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic coming inbound according to rules that you establish.
  
  
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  A new feature to cache is now available.
  
  

While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies do this to only the server layer and not the layer that clients use. instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers which can include multiple servers and various configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the burden of interfacing with firewalls and communicating with clients that are not web servers enables the firewall to concentrate on meeting the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers operating within reverse proxy, it determines which requests are sent towards which servers. There are many web servers operating within the exact same system, serving different types of resources or a combination of both. These servers use the HTTP protocol like a traditional web server. They can also be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. You can configure a reverse proxy to direct the clients towards specific servers depending on the kind of resource they are looking for, or to adhere to certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also be able to benefit from their positioning ahead of web servers by providing caching functions. Large static assets are able to be configured using caching rules, so that you do not need to call web servers every time you request. Certain software solutions allow you to serve static assets directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. Furthermore, the reverse proxy can manage compression of these files.

The renowned Nginx web server is also used as an effective reverse proxy service. While it is real it is true that Apache webserver is outfitted with a reverse proxy which is an additional option for Apache but Nginx was originally built for and focuses on the reverse proxy feature.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Examples

Since "forward" as well as "reverse" come with connotations of directionality and misleading comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic. They could be confusing because both types of proxies handle requests and response. An alternative approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to consider the requirements of the application that you're developing.

A reverse proxy is useful when you're creating a solution for offering web-based services on the internet. They function as servers in any interactions through the Internet.

Forward proxy applications are beneficial when it is put in front of a user for personal use and in the professional environment. They are your client's representative whenever you use the internet.

The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on standard naming conventions will assist you in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article defined the definition of a proxy along with two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications and an examination of beneficial features were used to differentiate between forward and reverse proxies. If you're interested in exploring the ways to implement proxies then you should read our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as a reverse proxy on Apache running an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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