The phrase "proxy" is a reference to a proxy or proxy server. It is an application which acts as a mediator between client and server over the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users could submit a request for the resource directly to a server, and then the server would deliver an answer directly for the requester. Although this approach is simple to understand and implement with proxy servers, it does offer advantages in terms of enhanced performance privacy, security, and more. In addition, a passing through, proxies serve as a security guardian of the internet between clients and servers.




In general, the mix of hardware for servers and proxy software is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are typically described as software as well as in the context of web servers. This article will give a description of two main types: that is a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind of proxy has its own situation, and is frequently confused due to the similar namesake convention.




This article will give you the knowledge of what proxies and subtypes can do and how they can do in the commonly used configurations. After reading this article, it will be able identify situations in which the use of proxy servers is advantageous, and then choose the best option between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any particular scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy sometimes known in the context of an open proxy is an agent for a user who is looking to transmit an online request to a source server. In this case the entire process of sending requests made by the client will instead be routed through this forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client will examine the request. It will first determine if it is legal for the user to make requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then refuse requests or redirect them to the original server. The client doesn't have a an internet connection directly. It is able to access only the information that the forward proxy permits it to connect to.




The primary reason for people to use forward proxy is the need to increase security or privacy when surfing the web. The forward proxy is connected to the internet instead of the client. In this process, it uses an IP address that is different from the IP address used by the user.




Based on how it was configured, the forward proxy can provide various functions based upon the way it's configured that allows you to:




Beware of ads-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find restrictions that are based on the location you are in.




Forward proxies are also used in systems that provide centralized security and access based on permissions such as in workplaces. If all internet traffic is routed via an open forward proxy the administrator is able to restrict access to only certain clients to the internet. This is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls at this layer of clients that could include multiple machines with different settings and users, the firewall can be set up at the layer which forwards proxy traffic.




Be aware that forward proxy servers require manual configuration to be used, while reverse proxies can be ignored by the client. Depending on the type the IP address that the user's IP address, the server from which it originated by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity could be granted or hidden.




There are a variety of possibilities to consider when considering forward proxy options:




Apache is an well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy features.


Nginx: Another well-known open source web server with the ability to forward-proxy.


Squid is a forward-proxy open source that uses an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the full web server system. There is a video tutorial on how you can install Squid proxy to allow private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer traffic. You can also learn how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as acting as an agent on behalf of a web server that handles requests from customers for. The web server can be a single server or multiple servers. It could also serve for application servers, such as Gunicorn. The request will come via the internet, generally. In the majority of cases, the request will be made straight to the webserver that hosts the information that the user is looking for. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, separating this webserver from direct interactions with the open internet.




From the perspective of a user, the experience of interacting with reverse proxy is not distinct from connecting to the webserver in direct contact. It's basically the same however the client can't discern the distinction. A client submits an inquiry for an item, and then receives it, with no additional configuration needed by the client.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Security centralized for web servers.


Direction of the traffic coming in is determined by rules you can set up.


The caching feature has been added to the app.




Although central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers. Reverse proxy servers provide this advantage only to the server layer, not the layer of clients. Instead of having to maintain firewalls that are on the layer of web servers, which could contain several servers with different configurations, the majority in firewall protection is concentrated at the layer of reverse proxy. In addition, the ease of interacting with firewalls and interacting with requests from customers who don't have web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their clients.




In the event that there's a multitude of servers operating as a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is also accountable for directing the requests directed to which servers. There could be multiple web servers offering the same service, but providing different types of resources or a mixture of both. They can utilize an HTTP protocol to serve as a standard web server, however they can also be equipped with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure a reverse proxy to redirect users to specific servers based on the request for resource, or to adhere to specific guidelines for the amount of traffic.




Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position over web servers by offering the ability to store data. Large static assets can be configured using caching rules to prevent the web server from being hit with each request. Some applications allow the delivery of static files without needing to connect to a website server at all. In addition reverse proxy can be used to handle compressing these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as an extremely popular reverse proxy solution. Even though Apache is also a reverse proxy option however, it is not a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server also has reverse proxy feature as an extra option for Apache and Nginx was originally designed and focuses exclusively on its reverse proxy function.



Distinguishing the use of forward and reverse proxy Examples



Since "forward" and "reverse" are both associated with the notion of directionality and false comparisons are made to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic can be confusing as both types of proxies handle the process of responding to requests. The best way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy is to examine the requirements of the app you're creating.




A reverse proxy could be useful in the development of a system to deliver web-based applications over the internet. They are your web servers when you are on the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when placed before clients to use for personal purposes, or even in a working environment. They are a representation of the client's activity whenever you connect to the internet.




A case-based approach to differentiation instead of using the most common naming conventions can help in eliminating confusion.



Conclusion



The article delineated the definition of a proxy with the two main types that are forward as well as the reverse one. Examples of how to use them and a discussion of most useful features were utilized to distinguish between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the use for proxy servers you can follow our guide on how to configure Nginx as an internet proxy and reverse proxy for Apache in Ubuntu 20.04. Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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