An proxy also referred to proxy servers is software that functions as an intermediary between a client and a server on the internet. Without the need for a proxy, a user would send a request to something directly through a server, and the server would then deliver the resource directly to the user. While this is a simple method to comprehend and implement the addition of proxy servers can offer advantages in terms enhanced performance, privacy, security, and many more. Apart from adding a layer of security proxy servers also act as a security guardian of the internet between clients and servers.

The general consensus is that the server hardware along with installed proxy software is also frequently known as proxy servers. However, this article will concentrate on proxies which are usually classified as software, and in the web server context. This article will give a synopsis of the two primary types, namely which are a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own use and can be confusing due to a similar name convention.

This article will provide you with an idea of the what proxies are and the subtypes of them, as well as how they work in the typical setups. By reading the article you'll be able to recognize the circumstances that are the best to use a proxy and make the right choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

In the same way, a forward proxy sometimes known as an open proxy is a proxy of a user who would like to make an internet-based request to an source server. In this scenario every request from the client's side will be sent straight to the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in in the place of the customer will review the request. First, it will determine if this client is authorized to accept requests from this particular forward proxy. Then, it decides if it wants to deny a 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 for using forward proxy services is to improve privacy or security when surfing the internet. A forward proxy is able to access the internet in the place of a client and as such, it may utilize a different IP address than the original IP address utilized by the client.

Depending on how it's been set up in the past forward proxy servers are able to give you a variety of options. They allow 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 geographic area.
  
  

Forward proxies may also be employed in systems that offer central security and authorization based access, like at work. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy, administrators can restrict access to only specific clients on the internet and filter it through a standard firewall. Instead of having firewalls for the client layer which could comprise a variety of machines that have different environments and users, the firewall could be put within the forward proxy layer.

Be aware that forward proxy settings need to be manually set up to function, while reverse proxy settings are ignored by clients. Depending on the type of IP address of the client is sent to the origin server via the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or not.

There are a variety of possibilities to consider when it comes to forward proxy options:

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy features.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source webserver with forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Squid: A no-cost forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. Squid isn't a complete Web server service. Take a look at our step-bystep guide to create Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante forward proxy, which uses on the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP which makes it better suited to situations such as peer-to-topeer connections. You can also look into the procedure for installing an Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy serves as a representative of web servers that handle incoming requests from clients on its behalf. The web server may include a server or multiple servers. Also, it could be used as an application server like Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios the request for an application comes through the internet as a whole. In most cases the request is sent directly to the server that hosts the information that the client wants. Instead, a reverse proxy works as an intermediary, securing Web servers from direct interactions with the web's public.

From a consumer's point perspective, which is also an individual's view, connecting using a reverse proxy is no any different from using an internet server direct. It's exactly the same however the client cannot see the differences. The client makes a request for the resource, and is then provided with it without any further configuration needed by the client.

Reverse proxies offer features like:

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  Centrally secured to protect Web Server Layer.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound based on rules you can design.
  
  
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  The caching function is now available to users.
  
  

While central security is an advantage for both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this benefit only to the server layer and only the layer that clients use. Instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers that could contain multiple servers with different configurations, most of firewall security can be focused at reverse proxy layers. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interacting with a firewall and also interacting with clients' requests outside of web servers permits them to focus on meeting the requirements of their clients.

In the event that there's multiple servers hosted using a reverse-proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for directing which requests go to which server. There may be several web servers providing the same content, or offering various types of resources or a combination of both. They can use the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as a standard web server but they can include additional protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can also configure a reverse proxy to redirect the clients towards specific servers in accordance with the requested resource or to adhere to specific rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies may also make use of their position ahead of web servers, by providing the ability to cache. The large static files can be set up 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. In addition, the reverse proxy can manage compression of these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server also functions as a very popular reverse proxy option. Although Apache can also be a reverse proxy option, the Apache web server is also able to function complete with the reverse proxy function that is an added feature of Apache however Nginx was designed initially to focus on the reverse proxy feature.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Examples

Because "forward" and "reverse" have a connotation of directionality, as well as false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic the labels can be confusing since both types of proxy are able to handle requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to look at the requirements of the application you're building.

A reverse proxy can be helpful when building a web-based applications over the internet. They serve as your web servers when you interact on the web.

Forward proxy is useful when it is displayed in front of customers for personal use or within an office environment. They are your client's representative when you interact with the internet.

The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on standard naming conventions could help in eliminating confusion.

Conclusion

The article clarified the meaning of a proxy, which includes two types that are forward and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and a review of the most beneficial characteristics were employed to identify between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested in knowing more about the process of implementing proxy servers, you can refer to our guide on how to configure Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy using Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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