The term "proxy" means a proxy commonly known as a proxy server is software that acts in the role of intermediary between client and server on the internet. Without a proxy, a client could send a request to the server directly, and the server would serve direct to the requester. Although this method is easy to understand and implement, adding proxies provides advantages such as more performance, privacy and security, and so on. As a layer of pass-through, the proxy serves as a shield to the internet between users and servers.

The general combination of server hardware and the software to install proxy servers is commonly called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers which are usually classified as software, but specifically, in relation to servers for web. This article will give a synopsis of the two principal kinds of proxies: that is forward proxy and reverse proxy. forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the overlapping terms.

This article will give you an idea of the what proxies as well as their subtypes and ways that they can prove useful in a range of configurations. If you read this article you'll learn to identify instances where the use of proxies is beneficial, and then determine the most suitable alternative between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any given situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy also referred to in the context of the open proxy, acts as the representative of the client who is trying to transmit an internet request to a server that is the source. In this scenario, every attempt to send requests from the user's side will be handled by forward proxy. This forward proxy taking place of the user examines the request. It will then determine whether the client is permitted to send requests via this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either reject an request and send it back to its source server. The client isn't able to have direct connection to internet. It can only reach what forward proxy allows the client to access.

The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy servers is to improve privacy or security when using the internet. A forward proxy can be used to access the internet rather than clients, and in this manner, it is using a different IP address than the IP address that was originally used by the client.

Depending on how it's setup, and based on the way it's set up forward proxy can offer a variety of features, allowing users to:

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  Beware of Ad-trackers.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You can determine restrictions based upon your geographical place of residence.
  
  

Forward proxies are also utilized to secure systems that are centralized and have access based on permissions, like in a workplace. In the event that all internet traffic goes through a common forward proxy layer an administrator can restrict access to just a small number of internet users, which is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls for the client layer, which can be used by a number of computers that have different kinds of environments, you can establish an firewall that is located in the front proxy layer.

It is important to note that forward proxy servers need to be configured manually for use before they can be used, while reverse proxies can remain unnoticed by clients. Based on the fact that the IP address of a user is relayed to an origin server by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity can be granted or not.

There are a variety of options to consider for forward proxy services.

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  Apache A well-known, open-source web server that comes with forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy functions.
  
  
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  Squid is a free forward proxy that works with the HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the complete web server. Learn more about how to set up Squid proxy to allow private connections to Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more suitable for situations like peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to check out how to set up Dante proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an intermediary for web server, that handles customer requests on its behalf. The server could be one or more servers. It could also serve as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In any case the request will be made through the internet generally. Typically, the request is sent directly to the web server that hosts the resources that the client requires of. Instead, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that isolates this webserver from all direct contact with the internet's public.

From the point of view of the client an individual's viewpoint the process of utilizing reverse proxy is the same than working with the server in its own way. It's exactly the same however the client is unable to discern the distinction. The client requests the resource, and then receives it, with no extra configuration required for the customer.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  The server for the web is secure centrally.
  
  
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  Incoming traffic is directed based upon rules you set.
  
  
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  A new feature for caching is now available.
  
  

While central security is a benefit offered by both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the server layer but not the client layer. In lieu of the maintenance of firewalls at the server level that may contain multiple servers, each with different configurations, the majority of firewall security is concentrated at the reverse proxy level. In addition, removing the burden of working with firewalls and connecting with client requests away from web servers allows firewalls to focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers being hosted by a reverse proxy, it is responsible for how requests are routed to which server. Multiple web servers could be providing the same service, but offering various kinds of resources or a combination of both. The servers could use the HTTP protocol to function as an ordinary web server however they can also use applications server protocols like FastCGI. It is also possible to set up reverse proxy settings to send users to a specific server based on the resource requested or to abide by certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their placement in front of web servers, by providing the ability to cache. Large static assets can be set by caching rules to avoid hitting web servers on every request. There are solutions that permit you to serve directly static assets, without connecting with the server on any manner. Furthermore, the reverse proxy is able to compress these assets.

The renowned Nginx web server also functions as a reliable reverse proxy solution. Although Apache has a reverse proxy service, the Apache web server is outfitted with reverse proxy functionality which is a feature available to Apache However, Nginx was designed originally to and concentrates specifically on reverse proxy features.

The difference between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Cases

Since "forward" and "reverse" have connotations of directionality and misleading distinctions between "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels could be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with both requests as well as responses. A better approach to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy is to look at the requirements of the program you're developing.

A reverse proxy can be helpful when you're developing a solution to deliver web-based applications to the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you interact using the internet.

Forward proxy can be beneficial when they are used before customers to use for personal purposes or in a professional setting. They act as your client's proxy when you are on the internet.

Distinguishing by use case instead of focusing on common naming conventions can assist you in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article will explain what a proxy is with two types: forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical examples of its use and a review of the advantageous characteristics were used to differentiate forward proxies from reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the use of proxy servers, read our guide on how to configure Nginx as a reverse proxy by using Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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