The term "proxy" refers to a proxy or proxy server is a software which functions as mediator between a client and server via the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, a user could submit a request for the resource directly to a server and the server will provide the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple method to understand and apply using proxy servers, it could provide advantages in terms of improved performance and privacy, security and many more. In addition, a pass-through, a proxy acts as a security safeguard for the internet between clients and servers.

The mixture of the server's hardware as well as proxy software is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxies that are traditionally described as software as well as when referring to web servers. The article will offer an explanation of the two types: namely a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind of proxy has its own scenario, which is often not understood due to the identical namesake convention.

This article will provide you with the basics of what proxies and subtypes are and what they accomplish in typical configurations. After reading this article, you'll be able to identify the instances where using proxies can be advantageous, and then choose the most appropriate option between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any particular scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known as an open proxy is an agent for the user trying to send an online request to a source server. In this instance, the entire process of sending requests from the client will instead be routed by an forward proxy. Forward proxy acting in place of the client will review the request. It first decides if it is legal for the user to submit requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then reject requests or redirect them to the original server. The client doesn't have a direct connection to the internet. It can access only what forward proxy allows it to access.

The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy is the need for greater privacy or security when surfing the web. Forward proxy connects to the internet instead of the client and, in this manner, it utilizes an IP address that is distinct from the original IP address of the client.

Based on how it is created, the forward proxy will offer a variety of functions depending on how it is configured, which lets you:

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  Beware of ad-tracker.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Find restrictions based on the location you are in.
  
  

Forward proxies may also be used in systems that provide centralized security and access based on permissions like 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. This is blocked by the standard firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls for this layer of clients that can comprise multiple computers with different settings and users, the firewall can be set up at the layer that forwards proxy data.

Take note that forward proxies need to be manually configured for use, and reverse proxies can be ignored by the client. Depending on the type IP address a user is transmitted to the server from which it originated by forward proxy privacy and anonymity may be granted or hidden.

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

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open source web server that has the ability to forward-proxy.
  
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. It's not part of the complete webserver system. We've got a guide on how you can install Squid proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more to handle situations like peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to understand how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is the agent of a server on the internet that handles requests from customers on behalf of. The web server may be a single server or multiple servers. It could also serve as an application server for instance Gunicorn. The request will be made via the internet, generally. Most of the time, your request is made straight to the webserver that hosts the resources that the user wants. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, separating this webserver from direct connections with the internet's open.

From the point of view of a user the experience of working with reverse proxy is no distinct from connecting to the webserver in direct contact. It's essentially the same but the client is unable to recognize the difference. The client sends an inquiry for an item, and then receives it, without further configuration required from the user.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Security centralized on webservers.
  
  
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  It is the direction in which traffic entering is based on rules you can establish.
  
  
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  The caching function was added to the application.
  
  

While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers. However, reverse proxy services provide this benefit to only the server layer, not the layer that clients use. Instead of having to maintain firewalls that are on the web server layer which may comprise several servers that have different configurations, the bulk protection of the firewall is placed in the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the ease of dealing with firewalls and responding to requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their clients.

When there's multiple servers operating in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is also responsible for directing the requests directed to which servers. There could be multiple web servers that provide the same service, but each offering different kinds of resources, or a mix of both. They may use the HTTP protocol to serve as a standard web server, but they can also be equipped with applications server protocols such as FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy servers that redirects users to certain servers based on the request for resource, or adhere to certain rules regarding the amount of traffic.

Reverse proxies also benefit from their position over web servers, as they have the ability to store information. The large static files can be configured by using caching rules in order to prevent from hitting web servers with each request. Some applications allow you to deliver static files directly without having to connect to a web server in any way. Additionally reverse proxy can be used to handle compressing these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy service. While Apache is also a reverse proxy option, it is not a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server has a reverse proxy feature as an additional option to Apache and Nginx was originally designed and is focused specifically on reverse proxy features.

Differentiating the use of forward and reverse proxy Examples

Because "forward" and "reverse" are both associated with the notion of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic and can be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with the process of responding to requests. A better approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to consider the requirements of the application you're creating.

Reverse proxy is beneficial in the creation of a solution to provide web-based services over the internet. They serve as your web servers when you are on the web.

Forward proxy can be beneficial when placed in front of clients to use for personal purposes, or in a work setting. They are a representation of the client's activity when you interact with the internet.

The use of case-based differentiation instead of focusing on commonly used naming conventions can assist in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

The article delineated the meaning of a proxy with the two main types of proxy: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical examples of use as well as a discussion of most beneficial features were used to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in learning more about the use of proxy servers, you can follow our guide on how to set up Nginx as an Internet server and reverse proxy to Apache on Ubuntu 20.04. Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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