An proxy or proxy server is a program that sits as an intermediary between client and server via the internet. Without proxy, a user could send a request for an item directly a server, and the server would serve that resource to its user directly. This method is simple to grasp and use but the addition of proxies can provide advantages in the form of increased performance, privacy and security, and much more. As an additional layer being able to pass through, proxies function as a guardian to the internet between servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the package of server hardware with the software to install proxy servers is commonly called proxy servers. However, this article will concentrate on proxy servers that are typically described in terms of software as and those utilized to complement web servers. This article will provide a brief overview of the two main kinds of proxy servers, namely the one that is forward and a reverse proxy. Each has their own use, which can be confusing due to the same terminology.




This article will give you an idea of the what proxies and their subtypes are, as well as their utility in a variety of configurations. After reading the article you will understand how to identify the scenarios in which a proxy is beneficial, and determine the best choice to use a forward or reverse proxy based on the situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy, also known as an open proxy serves as a representative for a client that attempts to send an online request to an source server. In this scenario, the entire request sent by the client will be controlled by the forward proxy. Forward proxy in lieu of the user will review the request. It will first check if the client been authorized to transmit requests via this particular forward proxy. It then will reject a application and send it back to its source server. The client is not able to have direct access to the internet. It can access only what the forward proxy permits it to access.




The most frequent use of forward proxy is increased security or privacy on the internet. The forward proxy can connect to internet in place of a client, and as a result, it uses an alternate IP address from that of the client's original IP address.




Based on how it is set up in accordance with the configuration forward proxy can offer a variety of features depending on how it's configured, which allows users to:




Beware of ad-tracker.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find out the restrictions that apply to your location.




Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that rely on central security and permission dependent access, such as, in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through an common forward proxy layer a administrator can restrict 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 may comprise several devices with various environments and users, you can set up a firewall located at the front proxy layer.




It is essential to note to remember that forward proxy servers need to be manually set up to use, whereas reverse proxies may be hidden from clients. Based on the kind of IP address the client, it is sent to the server which created it via forward proxy privacy and security is granted or left secret.




There are many alternatives to consider for forward proxies:




Apache: A popular open-source web server offering forward proxy capability.


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


Squid: A free forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire website server software. We have instructions on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections with Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP and is better suitable for applications such as peer-to -peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to setup the Dante proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy is a representative of web servers that handle incoming requests by clients on its behalf. The web server could be a single server or multiple servers. Additionally, it could include an application server, such as Gunicorn. In either scenario the request is made by users on the internet generally. The majority of the time the request will be made directly to the server that has all the resources the client needs. However reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that isolates Web servers from direct contact with the open internet.




From a consumer's point of view, interacting with reverse proxy isn't any different from interacting with an internet server direct. It's the same thing but the user is unable to discern the distinction. The client makes a request for this resource and receives it without extra configuration that must be performed by the customer.




Reverse proxies can provide features such as:




A central layer of security to protect the server.


Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you create.


A new feature for caching is now available.




While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies do this feature only to the server layer, but not to the layer that clients use. Instead of establishing firewalls on Web server layers that can comprise multiple servers and different configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the ease of interacting with a firewall and interacting with requests from clients outside of web servers allows the firewall to focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.




If there are several servers running in reverse proxy, it manages controlling which requests go towards which servers. A number of web servers could be working on the same server, providing various kinds of services or a mix of both. These servers utilize the HTTP protocol, which is similar to a traditional web server. However, they can be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can configure a reverse proxy to direct the clients to specific servers depending on the kind of resource they're searching for, or follow certain rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies also have the ability to gain advantages from their positioning prior to web servers, through providing caching functionality. Large static assets can to be set up with caching rules, so that you do not need to call web servers every time you request. Some solutions offering an option to serve static assets directly without having to connect to the server once. In addition reverse proxy solutions can manage compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server is also used as an effective reverse proxy solution. While it is real that the Apache webserver is fitted with an reverse proxy that is an additional option for Apache but Nginx was originally built for and focuses on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Examples



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality and inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic and can be confusing as both types of proxies handle requests and responses. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to take into account the requirements of the application that you're developing.




A reverse proxy is a great option when you are designing a system to provide web-based services on the internet. They function as servers in any interactions through the Internet.




Forward proxy applications can be advantageous when placed in front of the client for your personal usage and in the professional context. They are your client's representative when you connect to the internet.




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



Conclusion



This article clarified the definition of a proxy along with two types: forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications as well as an exploration of useful features were utilized to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the ways to implement proxies we recommend you read our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy on Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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