"proxy" refers to a software "proxy" is a reference to the idea of a proxy commonly called proxy server software that acts in the role of intermediary between a server and client on the internet. Without a proxy, a client can send a request for the server directly and the server will serve the requested resource directly to the user. While this approach is straightforward to comprehend and use, proxies can provide advantages like more speed and security, privacy, and so on. As a pass-through layer the proxy serves as a shield for the internet between clients and servers.




It is generally accepted that the set of server hardware and the software used to install proxy is usually called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers which are generally classified as software, but specifically, in relation to servers for web. We will present a summary of the two primary types of proxy servers: a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage scenario, which is often misinterpreted due the overlapping terms.




This article will provide you with an idea of nature of proxies, as well as their subtypes and ways they can be useful in a variety of configurations. If you read this article you'll learn to identify the circumstances in which the use of proxies is advantageous, and determine the most appropriate alternative between forward and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy also referred to by the name of the open proxy serves as the client's representative who is trying to relay a request through the internet to a source server. In this scenario, every attempt to send requests by the user will instead be sent via the forward proxy. The forward proxy, in place of the client, will examine the request. Then, it will determine whether or not the client is able to send requests via this particular forward proxy. Then, it'll either reject an request and transfer it on to the source server. The client is not able to have direct connection to internet. It can only reach what the forward proxy permits for it to reach.




The most common reason for using forward proxy services is to increase privacy or security when using the internet. A forward proxy is able to connect to the internet instead of clients, and in this way, it utilizes a different IP address than the original IP address of the client.




Depending on how it's set up depending on how it's configured forward proxy can offer a variety of features, allowing users to:




Beware of Ad-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can identify limitations based on your geographic location.




Forward proxies can also be used to secure systems that are centralized and access dependent on permissions, for instance in a workplace. If all internet traffic goes through a common forward proxy layer an administrator can restrict access to only a limited number of users to the internet, which is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of creating security firewalls on the layer that is used by clients that can be utilized by a number of computers that have different environments and types of users it is possible to have a firewall located at the front proxy layer.




Be aware that forward proxies require manual configuration for use before they can be used, while reverse proxies are able to be obfuscated by clients. Based on whether or not your IP address the user is relayed to an server that originated it by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity are granted or not.




There are a variety of options to consider for forward proxies.




Apache A well-known, open-source web server that has forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is a free forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the entire web server. Learn more about how to set up Squid proxy to allow private connections to Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP which is more appropriate for applications such as peer-to -peer traffic. You may also want to learn how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy serves in the capacity of an intermediary for web server, which handles requests from customers on its behalf. This server can represent one or more servers. Also, it could serve as an app server like Gunicorn. In either scenario the request will be made through the internet generally. In most cases, the request is directed directly to the web server which hosts the resources the user is in need of. In contrast, a reverse proxy is a intermediary that isolates the web server from direct interaction with the web's public.




From the perspective of the individual client's perspective the process of utilizing reverse proxy isn't any different than interacting with the server by itself. It's the same, but the client is unable to be able to discern the difference. The client requests the resource, and is then supplied with it, without any additional configuration required for the customer.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




The server for the web is secure centrally.


Incoming traffic is directed according to the rules you establish.


A new feature for caching is now available.




While centralized security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies provide this benefit only to the server layer, they do not offer this feature to clients. In lieu of maintaining firewalls on the server level that may contain several servers, each with various configurations, the bulk of firewall security is centered in the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interacting with a firewall and connecting to requests from clients away from web servers allows the firewall to focus on serving the requirements of their customers.




In the event that there's multiple servers hosted by a reverse proxy, it is also accountable for the way requests are routed through the server that is hosting them. Many web servers may be providing the exact same service, but offering various kinds of resources or a combination of both. The servers could use an HTTP protocol to function as a standard web server, however, they may also incorporate applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can also set up reverse proxy settings to send users to specific servers based on the requested resource or to follow certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also benefit by their positioning before web servers by offering caching capabilities. Large static assets can be configured with caching rules in order to avoid hitting web servers on every request. There are options that allow you to directly serve static assets without connecting with the server on any manner. Additionally, reverse proxy can manage compressing these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server functions as a powerful reverse proxy service. Even though Apache can also be a reverse proxy solution it is not the only one. Apache web server comes fitted with reverse proxy function that is an additional feature that is available for Apache However, Nginx was originally designed to specifically focus on reverse proxy features.



The difference is between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Cases



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality and misleading distinctions between "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic These labels could be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to analyze the requirements of the application you're developing.




A reverse proxy can be helpful in the development of a method to connect web-based applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers when you connect to the internet.




Forward proxy is beneficial when they are used in front of customers to use for personal purposes or in a professional setting. They are your client's proxy for interactions on the internet.




Differentiating by case of use instead of focusing on the common naming conventions will assist you in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article describes the meaning of a proxy with two types: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical examples of its use and a review of the advantageous features were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the use of proxy servers, you should read our guide on how you can configure Nginx as a reverse proxy using Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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