A proxy, also known as a proxy is also known as a proxy server is software that acts as a mediator between client and server on the internet. Without a proxy, a client could send a request for resources directly to the server and it will serve that resource to its user directly. Although this is a simple process to comprehend and implement with proxies, it can bring benefits in the form of improved performance as well as privacy, security and more. As an additional layer of protection, a proxy acts as a gatekeeper for the internet, separating servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the combination of server hardware with installed proxy software is generally called a proxy server. In this article, we will examine proxy servers that are typically defined as software, and also in the context of web servers. This article will give a detailed breakdown of the two primary types of proxy servers: a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own use case, often confused due to the similar name convention.




This article will give you an understanding of different types of proxy and what their subtypes, as well as their value in the common configurations. After reading this post, you'll understand how to identify the circumstances where a reliable proxy could be useful, and choose the correct option between reverse and forward proxy based on the situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy also known as an open proxy, also known as an open serves as an intermediary between the client who is trying to send a request via the internet to an source server. In this instance, any request sent by the client will instead be routed straight to the forward proxy. A forward proxy acting in the client's stead, will examine the request. It will first determine whether the client is allowed be able to accept requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it will deny any request or forward it to the original server. The client does not have direct access to the internet. It is able to access only the web pages that forward proxy gives it access to.




One of the most common applications of forward proxies is to improve privacy or security while using the internet. Forward proxy utilizes the internet as the client, and in the process, it will use an alternate IP address in addition to the client's original IP address.




Based on the way it was configured, based on the way it's configured forward proxy could provide different features depending on the way it's configured, which allows you to:




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You will be able to identify any restrictions based upon your geographical area.




Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that provide centralized security as well as access based on permissions, such as in the workplace. Internet traffic can go through a forward proxy that is open. administrators can restrict access to certain clients to the internet that is protected by a standard firewall. As opposed to having firewalls for the client layer which can include multiple devices that have different configurations and users you can install an firewall that is located in the front proxy layer.




Be aware the forward proxy setting need to be manually configured for use however reverse proxies will be ignored by the client. Depending on whether an IP address belonging to a user is passed to the server where it came from by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept in the dark.




There are a variety of alternatives to think about when it comes to forward proxy options:




Apache is a well-known open source web server that provides forward-looking proxy features.


Nginx: Another popular open-source server used for web hosting with forward proxy features.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. It's not the complete web server. Take a look at our guide on how you can install Squid proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward-looking proxy, which utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it more suitable for peer-to-peer traffic. You might also want to examine how you can configure Dante proxy to allow connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy is the web server, which takes care of the incoming requests of customers on its behalf. The web server can represent a single, or multiple servers. It may additionally be an app server, such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios, an application request is made from a user via the internet. Most of the time, the request would be directed directly to a web server with the resources the user is seeking. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary and isolates your web server from contact with the internet's open.




From the perspective of the user's viewpoint the procedure of using reverse proxy is similar to connecting to a Web server through direct contact. It's exactly the same and the client is unable to tell the difference. The client makes a request for the resource, which is followed by receiving it without the need for any additional configurations required for the user.




Reverse proxy providers offer features such as:




A centralized layer of security that protects the server.


The direction of traffic coming in is based on the rules you define.


New feature added to caching.




While central security can be a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies do this function to only the server layer but not to the client layer. instead of being focused on the maintenance of firewalls at the server level that could contain multiple servers and various configurations, most of the firewall security is targeted on the reverse proxy level. Also, the removal of the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with clients distant from web servers enables them to concentrate on delivering the requirements of their clients.




If there are multiple servers that are connected via reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is also responsible for directing which requests will go to which servers. There could be multiple web servers offering the same content, each providing different types of services or a mixture of both. These servers may be using the HTTP protocol that is the standard web server, but they can also include different protocols for applications servers such as FastCGI. You can also configure reverse proxy settings to direct visitors to specific server depending on the resource requested or to comply with certain guidelines regarding the load of traffic.




Reverse proxies can benefit from their placement on top of web servers, by providing the capability to store information. The large static files can be set up with caching policy to avoid hitting web servers with each request. Certain applications allow users to serve static content directly without having to contact Web servers in any form. Furthermore reverse proxy solutions can help compress these assets.




The popular Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy service. Although there is an equivalent feature available within the Apache web server, it has reverse proxy functions as an additional feature that is available for Apache whereas Nginx was designed originally for and is specifically designed for reverse proxy functions.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases



Since "forward" along with "reverse" are associated with directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic The labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxies process requests and responses. The best method to distinguish between the reverse and forward proxy types is to study the requirements of the app that you're building.




A reverse proxy can be beneficial when you are developing a solution to serve websites on the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you connect to the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when placed in front of customers to facilitate your own usage, or even in a business setting. They are a representation of your customer's traffic through any interaction via the internet.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the standard naming conventions could help in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



The article clarified the meaning of aproxy is and the two primary types of proxy: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications as well as a review of the beneficial attributes were used to determine forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested in learning more about how proxies are implemented, you can check out our tutorial on how you can set up Nginx as a reverse and web server proxy on Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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