An proxy is also known as proxy server software which serves as a mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without an intermediary, a customer would make an attempt to request the resource directly to a server and the server would serve the requested resource directly at the request of the customer. Although this procedure is easy to understand and apply the addition of proxies can bring benefits such as more speed as well as security and privacy and many more. Apart from offering a security layer, proxies act as a security guardian of the internet between users and servers.

The packaged servers that have installed proxy software is commonly referred to by the name proxy servers. This article will be focusing on proxy servers that are traditionally referred to as software, but also when referring to web servers. We will provide a brief overview of the two main types: one is one that is a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage, which can be confusing due to the identical name-based convention.

This article will provide you with the understanding of the types of proxy services available and their subtypes, and the ways they can be useful for common setups. In this article you'll be in a position to recognize the scenarios that you can gain by a proxy, and select the correct solution in between reverse and forward proxy for any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy also known in the context of being an open proxy, also known as an open is the representative of a customer who would like to transmit requests via the internet to a server that originated it. In this situation, it's the situation that all requests received from the client are instead forwarded direct to forward proxy. This forward proxy acting on behalf on behalf of client take a look at the request. It will first will determine whether the client is allowed to send requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it will either refuse requests or redirect them to the origin server. The client is not able to have direct access to the internet; it is only able to access the data that forward-proxy permits its connection to.

One popular reason to use forward proxy is the desire for greater security or privacy online. Forward proxy has the ability to connect to the internet using the client. In this manner, it utilizes an additional IP address as opposed to the IP address of your client.

Based on the way it has been set up, and how it is configured forward proxy could offer a range of functions and the capability to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You can spot limitations based on your location.
  
  

Forward proxies also are used in systems of centralized security and access is based on permissions, such as, in a workplace. If all internet traffic flows via an open forward proxy an administrator could restrict access to certain users on the internet using a common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls for the client layer, which can contain multiple devices with different configurations and users, a firewall can be installed on the forward proxy layer.

Be aware that forward proxies must be configured manually to utilize the reverse proxy, while forward proxies may go unnoticed by the client. The type of IP address of the client that is transferred to the origin server through forward proxy privacy and anonymity might be granted or kept in the dark.

There are numerous options to consider for forward proxies:

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  Apache: A popular open-source web server, which offers forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another renowned open-source webserver with forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Squid: A free and Open Source Forward Proxy using an HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete web server application. You can refer to our instructions on how to set up Squid proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP which makes it better suited for certain scenarios like peer-topeer communication. You can also learn how to set up Dante proxy to support private connections with Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an agent to a server on the internet and takes care of any requests that come in from clients. Web servers can function as a single server, or as a series of servers. Furthermore, it could function as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios the request will come from a user who is on the internet generally. In most cases the request will be directed directly to a web server that holds all the information the user is seeks. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary that shields the webserver from direct interactions with the open internet.

From the perspective of the user's point of view the procedure of using reverse proxy is not any different than working with a Web server itself. It's basically the same, but the client is unable to tell the difference. The client makes a request for an item, and it is then received, with no additional configuration needed by the client.

Reverse proxy proxies can provide some features, including:

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  Secured centrally for Web Server Layer.
  
  
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  The direction of traffic that is using rules that you set up.
  
  
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  The caching functionality was added to the application.
  
  

While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy service, reverse proxies provide this benefit to Web server layers and not to the layer that clients use. instead of having to maintain firewalls on Web server layers that could contain multiple servers with various configurations, most of the firewall security is aimed on the reverse proxy layer. In addition, getting rid of the necessity of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with requests from clients via web servers lets them concentrate on delivering resources.

If there are multiple servers running through a reverse proxy, it also manages how requests are routed to which server. A number of web servers could be offering the same service, and each offering different kinds of resources or some combination of both. They may employ an HTTP protocol to serve as a web server in the traditional sense, but can also include protocols for application servers like FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy services to redirect users to specific servers based on the resource requested or to follow certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their placement in front of web servers through the capability of caching. Large static assets can be configured using caching rules in order that they do not have to connect to web servers for every request. There are solutions that offer the option of directly serving static assets without needing to connect to a web server in any way. In addition, the reverse proxy can handle compression of these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server can be described as a reliable reverse proxy service. Although you can utilize the Apache web server, it also comes with reverse proxy capabilities as an added feature of Apache which is in contrast to Nginx was initially designed for and concentrates on the reverse proxy function.

The difference between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Utilization

Since "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with directionality, as well as false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing because both types of proxies are capable of handling requests as well as responses. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy providers is to consider the needs of the application you're creating.

A reverse proxy is a good option in the development of an application that can serve web-based applications via the internet. They are your web servers for any interaction with the internet.

Forward proxy software is useful when they are employed in front of clients for private use, or in the workplace. They are a representation of the client's web traffic in any interaction on the internet.

A case-based distinction instead of focusing solely on common naming conventions can make it easier to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified the meaning of a proxy with the two primary kinds of them being the forward and the reverse proxy. Practical applications as well as a look at beneficial characteristics were used to define forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested in knowing more about how proxies are implemented check out our guide on how to configure Nginx in a reverse proxy and internet-based server for Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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