A proxy also referred to a proxy server is software that acts as an intermediary between client and server over the internet. Without the need for a proxy, a user will send a request for something directly through a server and the server would deliver the resource directly to the client. Though this approach is simple to comprehend and implement the addition of proxies can bring advantages in terms of enhanced performance security, privacy, and many more. Alongside providing a layer of security they also serve as a security guardian for the internet between clients and servers.

The consensus is that the collection of servers and the hardware that is used along with proxy software is also frequently referred to proxy servers. But, this article will focus on proxies typically classified as software, and in the context of web servers. This article will give a synopsis of the two main types of proxies, which include a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own use that can cause confusion due to a similar name convention.

This article will provide you with an understanding of nature of proxies and what their subtypes are, as well as how they function in typical setups. Through the article you'll discover how to determine the situations that are the best to utilize a proxy and choose the best option between reverse proxy and forward proxy in any circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

In the same way a forward proxy, also called open proxy. In other words, an open proxy serves as the representative of a user who would like to send an internet request to an origin server. In this case, every attempt to send requests from the client will instead be sent straight via the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in place of the client, will review the request. It will first determine if the client has the right to accept requests from this specific forward proxy. It will then decide if it is authorized to reject an request and transfer it onto the original server. The client is unable to access directly the internet. It is only able to access the internet that forward proxy allows the client access.

The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy servers is to gain greater privacy or security on the internet. Forward proxy allows you to connect to the internet in the place of a client and in this manner it could employ an IP address that is different from the IP address originally that the client uses.

Depending on how it's been set up in the past forward proxy servers are able to provide a range of choices and permit you to:

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  Beware of ad-tracker.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You can identify limitations based on your geographical area.
  
  

Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that offer central security and authorization based access, such as in the workplace. When all traffic on the internet passes through an open forward proxy layer administrators can restrict access to only those clients who are filtered through an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls for the client layer that may comprise a range of machines that have different user and environment the firewall could be placed within the forward proxy layer.

It is important to note that settings for forward proxy have to be manually set up to function in reverse proxies, whereas forward proxy settings are ignored by clients. Depending on the type of IP address of a client is passed to the original server through the forward proxy privacy and anonymity could be granted or not.

There are many alternatives to think about for forward proxies

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  Apache: A popular open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another renowned open-source webserver, this one with forward proxy features.
  
  
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  Squid is a free forward proxy that makes use of an HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire web server solution. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create Squid proxy to permit private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante forward proxy, which uses on the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better suited to situations such as peer-to-topeer connections. You can also look into the procedure for installing a Dante proxy to connect privately in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy functions as a proxy for web servers that handle any requests that come in from clients on its behalf. The web server may include a server or multiple servers. Additionally, it can be used as an application server such as Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios an application request is made from a user via the internet in general. In the majority of cases the request will be directed directly to the server that hosts the information that the client is seeking. Instead, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, securing Web servers from direct interactions with the web's public.

From the point of perspective, which is also an individual's view, connecting with a reverse proxy is identical to working with an internet server direct. It's the same, but the user is unable to discern the differences. The client requests the resource, and is then provided with it, without any additional configuration needed by the client.

Reverse proxies offer features like:

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  Centrally secured for Web Server Layer.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you can set up.
  
  
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  The caching feature has been added to the app.
  
  

While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies provide this feature to only the server layer, and only the layer that clients use. Instead of maintaining firewalls on the web server layer that could contain multiple servers and various configurations, the majority of the firewall security is focused at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of interfacing with a firewall as well as dealing with clients' requests outside of web servers allows them to focus on meeting the needs of their customers.

When there is a multitude of servers hosted with a reverse-proxy the reverse proxy is also responsible to direct which requests are routed at the server. There could be multiple web servers that provide identical content offering various types of resources or a combination of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol similar to a traditional web server, however they could also include different protocols for applications servers, such as FastCGI. It is also possible to set up reverse proxy to direct clients to specific servers in accordance with the requested resource or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies also can make use of their position ahead of web servers, by providing caching capabilities. Massive static resources can be configured by using caching rules in order to avoid the web server from being hit with each request. There are even solutions that allow the server to serve static assets directly without having to connect to a web server even once. Furthermore, the reverse proxy can manage compression of these assets.

The popular Nginx web server can also function as an extremely popular reverse proxy solution. Even though Apache can also be a reverse proxy solution however, the Apache web server also comes with a reverse proxy functionality as an additional characteristic of Apache however Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on its reverse proxy feature.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Examples

Because "forward" or "reverse" have a connotation of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing because both types of proxy handle responses and requests. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to examine the requirements of the program that you are building.

A reverse proxy can be useful when designing a solution to provide web-based applications over the internet. They act as your web server when you interact on the web.

Forward proxy can be useful when it is displayed in front of clients to use for personal reasons or in an office environment. They are your client's representative whenever you use the internet.

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

Conclusion

This article defined the meaning of a proxy with the two kinds of proxy: the forward one and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a review of the most beneficial features were used to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in knowing more about how to set up proxy services, check out our guide on how you can configure Nginx as a reverse and web server proxy using Apache in an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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