An proxy is also known by the name of a proxy. is software that functions as an intermediary between client and server over the internet. Without the proxy, a customer could send a request for anything directly to the server, and servers would provide any requested resources directly to the client. This is a simple method to comprehend and use the addition of proxy servers can offer advantages such as more speed, privacy and security, among others. In addition to providing a layer of protection proxy servers function as a guardian for the internet between clients and servers.

There is a general consensus that the server hardware coupled with installed proxy software is also often known as proxy servers. But, this article will concentrate on proxy servers that are typically categorized as software, and specifically in relation to servers on the internet. We will present a summary of the two major types of proxies which are forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each has its own use, which could be confusing due to the identical namestamp.

This article will provide you with an understanding of types of proxies, their subtypes, and their value in common configurations. After reading this article you'll be able know the scenarios where you could benefit from a proxy, and determine the best alternative between reverse proxy or forward proxy for any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy also referred to as open proxy, sometimes referred to as open proxy acts as an agent for a user who wants to make a request over the internet to a source server. In this scenario, every attempt to send requests made by the client will be handled by the forward proxy. A forward proxy acting in position of the customer will look into the request. It first decides if the client is legally authorized to accept requests from this particular forward proxy. It will then either refuse any request, or redirect it to the server from which it originated. The client is not allowed an internet connection directly. it can only be allowed access to the information that the forward proxy allows it access to.

A very frequent reasons for forward proxy is increased privacy or security on internet. A forward proxy accesses the internet instead of a specific client and in the process, it could use an alternative IP address as opposed to the original IP address of the user.

Based on the way it's configured, based on the way it's configured forward proxy could provide a range of features that allow you to:

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  Beware of tracking ads.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Establish restrictions based upon location.
  
  

Forward proxies are also used in systems that provide central security and permit-based access to the internet, for instance in a workplace. If all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy layer, administrators are able to permit only certain users access to the internet, which is filtered by an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place for the client layer that could comprise a variety of machines with various configurations and users, a firewall can be placed at the proxy layer that is in front.

Remember that forward proxies must be manually set up to use, while reverse proxy servers could be not recognized from the clients. Depending on the kind of IP address a client is sent to the server that generated it through the forward proxy, privacy and security may be made more transparent.

There are a variety of options to take into consideration in determining forward proxy:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server which provides forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx is another well-known open-source webserver that includes forward proxy capability.
  
  
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  Squid: A free and open forward proxy open source that uses the HTTP protocol. The option does not include the whole web server. It is possible to refer to our guide on the best way to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante is a forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more appropriate for situations such as peer-to-peer communication. You can also learn how to configure the Dante proxy for connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy acts as the web server, which handles requests from customers on its behalf. It can be used as a one server, or as a series of servers. Additionally, it can comprise an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these instances the request will be made via the web in general. In the majority of cases, the request is sent directly to the web server along with all the information the client in need of. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, separating your server from communications with the web's public.

From the point of view from a client's perspective reverse proxy isn't different from connecting directly to an internet server. It's functionally identical, however clients aren't aware of the difference. The client makes a request for the resource and receives it without any further configuration needed on the part of the client.

Reverse proxies provide features such as:

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  A central layer of security that protects the server.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound using rules that you can establish.
  
  
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  A new feature for caching is now available.
  
  

Although central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy solutions, reverse proxy providers provide this feature only to only the server layer, it is not available to the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at the server layer that could contain multiple servers and different configurations, the majority of firewall security could be concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the burden of communicating with firewalls and responding to requests from clients not connected to web servers permits them to focus solely on meeting the requirements of their clients.

In the case of multiple servers hosted by a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also handles the routing of requests towards the servers. Multiple web servers could be operating on the same server, providing various kinds of resources, or a mixture of both. They may utilize their HTTP protocol to function as a standard web server, however they could also incorporate applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can create a reverse proxy to route clients to particular servers according to the requested resource, or to observe certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies may also utilize their position before web servers by providing caching capabilities. Large static assets can be managed by caching rules to avoid reaching web servers each time a request is made. There are solutions offering an option to serve static content directly, without having to interact with the webserver in any way. In addition, reverse proxy is able to handle compressing these assets.

The renowned Nginx web server has become a very popular reverse proxy option. It is true that it is true that the Apache web server is able to use reverse proxy capabilities, it is an additional feature that is available to Apache but Nginx was initially designed and focuses on reverse proxy functionality.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Examples

Because "forward" and "reverse" are both associated with an impression of directionality and false comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic could be confusing because both kinds of proxies handle requests and respond. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy servers would be to analyze the needs of the application you're building.

Reverse proxy is an important feature in the development of a solution to serve web-based applications via the internet. They serve as servers during any interaction through the Internet.

Forward proxy is useful in displaying customer information for personal use or even in a workplace. The forward proxy is a representation of the information of the customer every time you interact with them on the internet.

A distinction based on use case rather than focusing only on naming conventions that are similar will make it easier to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified the meaning of a proxy. There are two types of them being the reverse and forward proxy. Practical applications and an examination of the beneficial attributes were utilized to identify forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested exploring the benefits for proxy servers read our guide on how you can configure Nginx as web server as well as reverse proxy on Apache in an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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