An proxy is also known as proxy server software that serves in the role of a mediator a client and server over the internet. Without a middleman the client would a request the resource directly to the server and the server would then serve the requested resource directly for the client. Although this is a simple process to understand and apply using proxies, it can provide benefits including increased speed as well as security and privacy and a lot more. In addition to adding a layer of security they also act as a security guardian of the internet between clients and servers.

In general, the bundle of server hardware with installed proxy software is often referred in the context of proxy servers. But, this article will be focusing on proxies traditionally defined as software, but also in the context of web servers. This article will give a synopsis of the two main kinds: one being forward proxy and the other being a forward proxy and the other being a reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage, which may be confusing due to the identical namesake convention.

This article will provide you with the knowledge of the different types of proxy services, their subtypes are, as well as the ways that they can be helpful for common setups. In this article, you'll able to discern the scenarios where you could benefit from a proxy and choose the correct solution in between forward and reverse proxy in any situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy also known as an open proxy, also known as an open is the representative of a customer who would like to transmit requests via the internet to an the server that originated it. In this situation, it's the case that all requests from the client will be directed directly to forward proxy. Forward proxy who is acting in place on behalf of client examine into the request. In the beginning, it will determine if the client is allowed to make requests via this particular forward proxy. Then, it can either refuse requests or redirect it to the server that originated it. The client is not allowed directly access to internet; it is only allowed to access data that forward-proxy enables its connection to.

One of the most popular reasons for using forward proxy is the desire for greater security or privacy online. Forward proxy can access the internet as a client, and in this manner, it utilizes an additional IP address as opposed to the IP address of your client.

Depending on how it has been set up, and how it is configured forward proxy could offer a range of functions and the capability to:

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  Beware of Ad-trackers.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You can spot limitations based on your location.
  
  

Forward proxies are also used in systems of centralized security and access is based on permissions, for example at work. In the event that all internet traffic goes via an open forward proxy an administrator can limit access to specific clients to the internet through a common firewall. Instead of implementing firewalls on the client layer which could comprise multiple computers with different configurations and users, a firewall can be installed at the forward proxy layer.

Remember that forward proxies need to be manually set up to work the reverse proxy, while forward proxies may go unnoticed by the client. Depending on the type of IP address of the client that is transferred to the server from which it originated through forward proxy, privacy and anonymity might be granted or left transparent.

There are many options to consider for forward proxy services:

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  Apache: A popular open-source web server that offers forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another renowned open-source web server that has forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Squid: An Open Source Forward Proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete Web server software. It is possible to refer to our instructions on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP, making it better suited for certain scenarios like peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to learn how to configure Dante proxy to support private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an agent to a web server and handles incoming requests from clients in its place. Web servers can function as a one server or as a series of servers. Additionally, it can function as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations the request will come from a user of the internet at large. In most cases, the request would be sent directly to the web server that holds all the resources that the user is seeking. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary, protecting the webserver from direct contact with the internet.

From the user's perspective reverse proxy's process reverse proxy is not any different than working with the web server directly. It's basically the same, but the client cannot tell the distinction. The client sends the request to access resources, which is followed by receiving it without any additional configuration required by the client.

Reverse proxy proxies are able to provide some features, including:

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  Secured centrally for Web Server Layer.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound according to rules can be establish.
  
  
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  The caching functionality has been added to the app.
  
  

While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy service, reverse proxies provide this benefit only to Web server layers, not to the layer that clients use. instead of the maintenance of firewalls on Web server layers that could contain multiple servers with various configurations, most of firewall security is concentrated at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, the absence of interfacing with firewalls and responding to requests from clients via web servers enables them to concentrate on delivering resources.

In the case of multiple servers operating behind a reverse proxy it also controls the way requests are routed to the correct server. Many web servers may be providing the exact same service, each serving different types of resources, or a combination of both. These servers may use their HTTP protocol to perform the role of a standard web server, but can also include applications server protocols such as FastCGI. You can create a reverse proxy to route clients to certain servers based on the requested resource or to follow certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their positioning in front of web servers due to the power of caching. Massive static resources can be set up by caching rules so that they avoid having to contact web servers every time they need to make a request. There are solutions providing the option to directly serve static assets, without needing to connect to the web server in any way. In addition, the reverse proxy can handle compression of these assets.

The popular Nginx webserver is a reliable reverse proxy option. While you can use it, the Apache web server also has reverse proxy, which is an additional feature of Apache in contrast to Nginx was designed initially for and concentrates on the reverse proxy function.

The distinction between Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use

Since "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations that refer to directionality, and false connections to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic the labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxy services can handle requests as well as responses. The best way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy providers is to look at the requirements of the application you're developing.

Reverse proxy can be useful when you are developing a solution to serve web applications on the internet. They act as your web server in any interactions with the internet.

Forward proxy applications can be advantageous when they are used to block the client for your personal use, or in the workplace. They are a representation of your client's traffic for any internet-based interaction.

A case-based distinction instead of focusing solely on common naming conventions can make it easier to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified the meaning of a proxy with the two most common kinds of them that are the forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a look at the beneficial traits were used in defining forward proxy as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about implementation of proxies take a look at our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy for Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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