The term "proxy" refers to a proxy is also known as a proxy server software that acts in the role of a mediator a client and server on the internet. Without a middleman the client would an attempt to request the resource directly to a server, and the server would serve the resource directly back for the client. Although this is a simple process to understand and apply using proxies, it can provide benefits including increased performance and privacy, and a lot more. Alongside adding a layer of security proxy servers also serve as a guardian for the internet between clients and servers.

Generally speaking, the packaged servers that have installed proxy software is commonly referred to as proxy servers. However, this article will be focusing on proxy servers that are traditionally referred to as software and within the context of web servers. We will present a summary of the two main types: one being forward proxy and the other being a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct usage, which may be confusing due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will provide you with the knowledge of the types of proxy services available and their subtypes are, as well as the ways they can be useful for the most common setups. In this article, you'll be in a position to recognize the scenarios where you could benefit from a proxy. You can also choose the right solution the case of forward or reverse proxy for any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known by the name of an open proxy is the representative of a customer who would like to transmit requests through the internet to an the server that created it. In this scenario it is the situation that all requests received from the client will instead be directed direct to the forward proxy. This forward proxy acting in the place that of the customer, is able to look at the request. At first, it will determine if the client is allowed to send requests through this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either reject requests or redirect it to the origin server. The client will not be allowed directly access to internet; it can only be able to access the data that forward-proxy enables it to connect to.

A popular use for forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security on the internet. Forward proxy is able to access the internet as a client, and in this process, it uses another IP address, in contrast to the IP address of your client.

Depending on how it has been configured, based on the way it has been configured forward proxy could perform a variety of tasks in addition to the ability to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You can identify restrictions based upon your geolocation.
  
  

Forward proxies are also used in systems of centralized security and access that is dependent upon permissions, like in workplaces. In the event that all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy, an administrator could restrict access to only certain users to the internet via a common firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls for the client layer that can include multiple machines with different configurations and users, a firewall can be installed at the forward proxy layer.

Keep in mind that forward proxies need to be configured manually to utilize, whereas reverse proxies can go unnoticed by the client. The type of IP address the client, when it is sent to the origin server through the forward proxy privacy and anonymity may be granted or left transparent.

There are numerous options to investigate forward proxy options:

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  Apache: A popular open-source web server, which offers forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx is another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy capability.
  
  
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  Squid: An open-source forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire web server application. You can refer to our instructions for setting up Squid proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better suited for certain scenarios such as with peer-to-peer traffic. You can also learn how to configure Dante proxy to support private connections with Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an agent to a server on the internet and manages incoming requests from clients in its place. Web servers can function as a single server or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could be used as an application server such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations the request will come from a user who is on the internet generally. In most cases the request will be directed directly to a web server which has all the information the user is would be looking for. In contrast, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, protecting this webserver from direct interaction with the internet.

From a user an individual's point of view the procedure of using reverse proxy is not any different than working with the website server in direct contact. It's basically the same, but the client can't discern the difference. The client sends a request for a resource, which is followed by receiving it, with no additional configuration required from the client.

Reverse proxy proxies may offer features, like:

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  Security centralized for web servers.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound using rules that you can establish.
  
  
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  The caching feature is now available to users.
  
  

While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy solutions, reverse proxies give this benefit to Web server layers and not to the client layer. instead of having to maintain firewalls at Web server layers, which can contain multiple servers with various configurations, the bulk of firewall security is focused on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, the absence of interfacing with firewalls and responding to requests from clients via web servers allows them to focus on providing resources.

In the event of multiple servers operating behind a reverse proxy it is also able to control the way requests are routed to the correct server. Many web servers may be providing the exact same service, each serving different kinds of resources or some combination of both. These servers may use the HTTP protocol to function as a web server in the traditional sense, however, they may also use application server protocols like FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy services to redirect users to specific servers according to the resource requested or to adhere to certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position before web servers due to the power of caching. Large static assets can be set up with caching rules to ensure that they avoid having to contact web servers for every request. There are solutions providing the option of directly serving static assets, without needing to connect to the web server in any way. Furthermore, reverse proxy can be used to handle compressing the assets.

The well-known Nginx web server can be described as an effective reverse proxy solution. You can also use it, the Apache web server also has reverse proxy capabilities as an added feature of Apache as opposed to Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on the reverse proxy feature.

The distinction between Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use. The difference between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use

Because "forward" and "reverse" have connotations that refer to directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing as both types of proxies are capable of handling requests as well as respond. Instead, a better way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy services is to take into account the requirements of the app you're creating.

A reverse proxy is a good option when you're developing an application that can serve websites on the internet. They are your web servers in any interactions with the internet.

Forward proxy software is beneficial when employed in front of client traffic for your private use, or in a work setting. They represent the client's web traffic in any internet-based interaction.

Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the similar naming conventions will help you avoid confusion.

Conclusion

In this article, we clarified the meaning of a proxy and the two most common kinds of them that are the forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications as well as a look at the beneficial traits were used in defining forward proxy as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about how proxies are implemented, look into our tutorial on how to set up Nginx in a reverse proxy and internet-based server for Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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