A proxy can also be referred to as an application called a proxy server that acts as a mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, a user could submit a request to servers directly, and servers would serve the requested resource directly to the user. It is an easy procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxy servers could provide benefits like improved performance as well as privacy, security and much more. As a pass-through layer they act as a gatekeeper of the internet between clients and servers.

Generally speaking, the bundled package of server hardware with installed proxy software is often referred as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers which are typically understood as software as when referring to web servers. The article will provide details of the two primary kinds that are forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct usage scenario, which is often misunderstood because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.

This article will provide you with an understanding of types of proxy services, what their subtypes, as well as the ways they can be beneficial for the common setups. If you've read the article carefully, you'll understand the situations when it's beneficial to utilize the proxy service and determine the right choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy sometimes known in the context of an open proxy acts as the agent of the client, trying to make an online request to the server which made it. In this scenario the attempts to make requests made by the user are instead sent straight via the forward proxy. In this case the forward proxy, in the client's stead, will review the request. It will first determine whether this client is able to send requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it will either refuse requests or redirect it to the server it originated from. The client isn't able to have directly access to internet. It is only able to access what forward proxy allows it to connect to.

The primary reason people make use of forward proxy servers is to improve privacy or anonymity on internet. A forward proxy utilizes the internet in lieu of a client on its own, and in this way it can use an alternative IP address that is different from the original IP address that is used by the client.

Depending on how it's been set up the forward proxy will offer a range of features and let you:

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  Beware of ads that track you.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Determine restrictions based on place of residence.
  
  

Forward proxies may also be utilized in systems that provide centralized security and access based on permissions, for instance in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy layer an administrator is able to permit only a handful of users access to the internet through an ordinary firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up on the client layer, which could involve a number of computers with varying settings and users there is a way to put the firewall configured an intermediary layer.

Note that forward proxies must be manually set up for them to be used and reverse proxies are able to be ignored by clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client is transmitted to the origin server via the forward proxy privacy and security can be granted or left transparent.

There are several options to consider for forward proxies:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server, that offers forward proxy functions.
  
  
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  Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver which has forward proxy functions.
  
  
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  Squid: A free and open source forward proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. It does not come with an the entire website server program. You can read our tutorial on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante is a forward proxy that operates the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP in order to be more suited for cases such as peer-to-peer communication. It is also possible to understand how to set up the Dante proxy to permit private connections to Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy functions as an agent for the web server, taking care of the incoming requests of clients on behalf of. The web server could comprise one server or several servers. Furthermore, it could function as an application server, for instance, Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios a request could originate from a user on the internet in general. Most of the time it is transmitted directly to the website server that hosts the information that the client is seeking. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to isolate Web servers from direct interaction with the web's public.

From a consumer's point the client's point of view, using a reverse proxy is no the same as working with a web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same thing, however the client can't distinguish between the two. The client requests the resource and then it receives it without any further configuration required for the end user.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  A centralized layer of security that guards the server.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic coming inbound on rules you can define.
  
  
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  New feature added to caching.
  
  

While central security is a benefit for both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this benefit to the layer on the webserver and not the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at the server level which may comprise multiple servers with various configurations, the majority of firewall security is concentrated upon the reverse proxy. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with client requests off of web servers allows the firewall to focus on providing the resources.

In the event of multiple servers within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy is responsible for directing which requests go at which server. There may be multiple web servers that provide the same content, providing different types of services or a combination of both. They could use the HTTP protocol similar to an ordinary web server. However, they could also be able to use applications server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to set up reverse proxy software to redirect visitors to specific server depending on the service being requested or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies also benefit from their positioning ahead of web servers, by offering the capability to store data. The large static files can be set up with caching rules to avoid having to call web servers for every request, with some solutions allowing you to serve static content directly without having to contact the server once. Additionally reverse proxy can deal with compression on these resources.

The popular Nginx web server can also function as an effective reverse proxy solution. However, Apache is also a reverse proxy solution however, the Apache web server is also equipped with a reverse proxy function as an additional option for Apache unlike Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on reverse proxy features.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality as well as false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxies handle both requests as well as responses. The best method to differentiate between forward and reverse proxies is to examine the specifications of the application you're developing.

Reverse proxy can be a valuable tool when you are designing a solution to deliver applications on the web via the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you interact on the web.

A forward proxy is helpful when it is displayed in front of clients for personal use or in a professional context. They are a representation of your client's web traffic during any internet-based interaction.

The practice of segregating by use case instead of focusing on the similar names will help in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarifies the meaning of a proxy, with two kinds: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and the exploration of attributes that are beneficial were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested in learning more about the use of proxy servers then you should read our guide on how to set up Nginx for use as an online server as well as reverse proxy to Apache on the Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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