The phrase "proxy" refers to proxy servers. A proxy or proxy server. It is software which acts as a mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users could send a request to the resource directly to a server, and then the server would provide the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple method to comprehend and implement using proxies, it can provide benefits in terms of better performance and privacy, security and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through, a proxy acts as a security guardian of the internet between servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the combination of server hardware as well as proxy software is often known as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically described as software as when referring to web servers. This article will give a description of the two primary kinds: forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind has its own unique usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the similar namesake convention.




This article will provide you with the basics of what proxies and subtypes are and what they can accomplish in commonly used configurations. After having read this article, you'll be able to determine the situations in which using proxies can be advantageous, and then choose the best choice between forward and reverse proxy for any particular scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy also referred to in the context of open proxy. An open proxy is an agent used by a user who is seeking to make an online request to an source server. In this instance, the entire effort to send requests from the client is routed by this forward proxy. Forward proxy acting in the place of the client, will review the request. It will first determine whether it is legal for the user to submit requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then either refuse requests or redirect them to the server that originally made the request. The client doesn't have a direct connection to the internet. It has access to only the information that forward proxy enables it to access.




The most common reason to use forward proxy is for more privacy or security online. A forward proxy links to internet, not the client and, in this process, it uses an IP address that is different from the IP address of the client.




Based on the way it is configured, the forward proxy can provide many functions, based on the configuration that permits you to:




Beware of Ad-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find restrictions based on your area.




Forward proxies may also be used in systems that provide security centrally and access based on user permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy an administrator is able to restrict access only to a select group of clients to the internet, which is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of creating firewalls for clients, the layer could comprise multiple computers with different settings and users the firewall could be installed at the layer that forwards proxy data.




It is important to be aware of the fact that forward proxies must be manually set up for use, and reverse proxies can be ignored by the client. Based on the type of IP address the user, it is sent to the server that originated it through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may be granted or hidden.




There are many possibilities to consider when considering forward proxy options:




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


Nginx is another well-known open-source web server with the ability to forward-proxy.


Squid is a forward-proxy open source which uses the HTTP protocol. It's not part of the entire Web server. We've got a guide on how to set up Squid proxy to enable private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better to handle situations like peer-to-peer communication. It is also possible to understand how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as an agent for a web server which handles incoming requests from users on behalf of. The web server could comprise a single server, or a number of servers. It may also act as an application server, like Gunicorn. In any case the request will be sent via the internet in general. In the majority of cases requests will then be sent direct to a server that hosts the information that the user wants. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary and separates the webserver from direct interaction with the open internet.




From the viewpoint of a user the experience of interacting with reverse proxy is no distinct from connecting to the webserver in direct contact. It's basically the same, but the client cannot recognize the difference. A client submits an inquiry for an item and gets it, without extra configuration from the user.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Security centralized on webservers.


It is the direction in which traffic incoming based on rules that you set up.


The caching functionality has been added to the app.




While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy services provide this benefit to only the server layer, and not to the client layer. Instead of having to maintain firewalls on the web servers layer which may comprise several servers with various configurations, the bulk in firewall protection is placed on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the burden of interacting with firewalls and responding to requests from clients without web servers lets them focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.




In the event that there's a multitude of servers operating in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for the direction of which requests are directed to which servers. There could be several web servers offering the same service, but each offering different kinds of resources or a mixture of both. They can use their HTTP protocol to operate as a normal web server, however they also can be outfitted with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. It is possible to set up a reverse proxy that redirects users to certain servers according to the requested resource, or adhere to specific guidelines for the volume of traffic.




Reverse proxies can also benefit from their location over web servers by offering the ability to store data. Large static assets can be configured using caching rules to prevent hitting web servers with every request. Some applications allow users to upload static files directly, without having to connect to the web server in any way. Furthermore reverse proxy can be used to compress these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy solution. Although Apache is also a reverse proxy service however, Apache is a reverse proxy service. Apache web server has a reverse proxy feature as an extra option for Apache while Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on the reverse proxy feature.



Distinguishing Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Examples



Since "forward" and "reverse" are both associated with an impression of directionality, and false comparisons are made to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic could be confusing as both types of proxies handle the process of responding to requests. A better approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to look at the requirements of the application that you're constructing.




A reverse proxy could be helpful in the design of a method to offer web-based applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers whenever you use the web.




Forward proxy can be beneficial when it is placed before clients for personal use, or in a work setting. They are a representation of the client's activity whenever you connect to the internet.




The use case-based distinction rather than focusing on the most common naming conventions can help in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarified the definition of a proxy by comparing the two primary types that are forward and the reverse proxy. Practical examples of use and a discussion of most beneficial features were used to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in exploring the benefits in proxy server, follow our guide on how to configure Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy to Apache on the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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