The term "proxy" refers to proxy servers. A proxy or proxy server. A proxy server is software that serves as an intermediary between client and server via the internet. Without the use of a proxy, a user could send a request to the resource directly to a server and the server would deliver direct access to that resource. While this is a simple method to understand and implement with proxy servers, it could provide advantages in terms of improved performance privacy, security, and many more. As an additional layer of passing through, proxies serve as a security guardian for the internet between clients and servers.

It is generally accepted that the mix of hardware for servers as well as proxy software is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxies that are traditionally described as software as when referring to web servers. The article will offer an explanation of two main types: namely a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage situation, and is frequently confused due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will provide the understanding of what subtypes and proxies are and what they can do in the commonly used configurations. After reading this article, it will be able to determine the instances where the use of proxies is advantageous and select the best choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any given situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy sometimes known in the context of open proxy. An open proxy is an agent for the user looking to transmit an internet request to an source server. In this instance, the entire effort to send requests initiated by the client will instead be sent via this 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 via this particular forward proxy. It then decides whether to reject requests or redirect it to the original server. The client is not able to have an internet connection directly. It is able to access only what forward proxy allows it to connect to.

The most popular reason for using forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security online. A forward proxy links to the internet, not the client. 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 can provide a variety of functions depending on how it is configured and permits you to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Find restrictions that are based on your location.
  
  

Forward proxies may also be employed in systems that offer central security and access based on user permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open forward proxy an administrator is able to restrict access only to a select group of clients to the internet. This is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of creating firewalls for this layer of clients that could comprise multiple computers that have different settings and users the firewall could be placed at the layer that forwards proxy traffic.

It is important to be aware of the fact that forward proxy servers require manual configuration to use and reverse proxies could be overlooked by the client. Based on the type of IP address of a user is transmitted to the server that originated it through forward proxy privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept in the dark.

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

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  Apache is an incredibly well-known open source web server that offers forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open source web server with forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Squid is a forward-proxy open source which uses the HTTP protocol. It isn't part of the full Web server. We've got a guide on how to use 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 better suited for scenarios such as peer-to-peer connections. You can also discover how to configure Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy functions as an agent for a server on the internet that manages requests from clients for. The web server may be a single server or a number of servers. It can also function for application servers, for instance Gunicorn. In any case the request will be sent via the internet in general. In the majority of cases requests will then be sent direct to a server that hosts the information that the user is seeking. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, detaching this webserver from direct interactions with the internet's open.

From the point of view of a user the experience of interacting with reverse proxy is not distinct from connecting to your website server directly. It's essentially the same but the client can't be able to discern the difference. A client submits an inquiry for an item and receives it, without additional configuration needed for the customer.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Security centralized on webservers.
  
  
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  The direction of traffic incoming based on rules that you set up.
  
  
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  The caching function is now available to users.
  
  

While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy services provide this benefit to only the server layer and not to the client layer. Instead of having to maintain firewalls on the web server layer that may contain multiple servers with various configurations, the bulk of firewall security is centered in the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interfacing with firewalls as well as responding to requests from customers who don't have web servers allows them to concentrate on providing the needs of their customers.

When there's multiple servers running within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy also is responsible for the direction of which requests are 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 an HTTP protocol to serve as a standard web server, but they may also be equipped with application server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to set up reverse proxy services to redirect users to specific servers according to the requested resource, or to conform to specific guidelines for the load of traffic.

Reverse proxies also benefit from their location on top of web servers, by providing the capability to store information. Large static assets can be created using caching rules to prevent from hitting web servers with each request. Some applications allow you to deliver static files without needing to connect to the servers in any manner. In addition reverse proxy can be used to compress these files.

The well-known Nginx web server is also used as an extremely popular reverse proxy option. While Apache has a reverse proxy solution but it is not a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server comes with reverse proxy capability as an extra option for Apache and Nginx was originally designed and focuses exclusively on its reverse proxy function.

Distinguishing Between Forward and Reverse Proxy Examples

Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality and false comparisons are made to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic can be confusing because both kinds of proxy servers handle both responses and requests. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to examine the requirements of the app you're developing.

Reverse proxy is useful in the development of a solution to provide web-based services over the internet. They are your web servers whenever you use the internet.

Forward proxy is useful when it is put before clients for personal use or in a workplace. Forward proxy is a representation of the traffic of your client when you use the internet.

A case-based approach to differentiation instead of focussing on commonly used naming conventions can assist in avoidance of confusion.

Conclusion

The article delineated the definition of a proxy with the two main types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Examples of practical use and a discussion of the most beneficial features were used to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested in exploring the use in proxy server, follow our guide on how to configure Nginx as an internet proxy and reverse proxy for Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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