A proxy also referred to a proxy server software which acts as an intermediary between a client and server on the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, a user could send a request to servers directly and servers would provide the requested resource directly to the user. It is an easy procedure to comprehend and use, proxy servers can bring benefits such as enhanced performance and privacy, security and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through they act as a gatekeeper of the internet between servers and clients.




In general, the integrated package of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is typically called proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers which are typically understood as software, and as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide a description of the two primary kinds, namely which are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct use case, often confused because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.




This article will provide an idea of the types of proxy services, what their subtypes, as well as how they are useful for common setups. If you've read this article, you'll to recognize situations where it is beneficial to use a proxy and decide on the right choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy, in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy also referred to as the open proxy acts as the representative of the client in making an online request to the server that originated it. In this case the attempts to make requests by the user will be directed directly via the forward proxy. In this situation, the forward proxy instead of the client will review the request. It first will determine if this client is able to make requests using this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either refuse requests or redirect it to the original server. The client is not capable of having directly access to internet. It has access to only what forward proxy allows for it to link to.




The primary reason people utilize forward proxy services is to increase privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet to replace an individual client, and in this way it can utilize an alternate IP address to the original IP address of the client.




Depending on the method by which it's configured, a forward proxy can provide a variety of functions and allow you to:




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Determine restrictions based on location.




Forward proxies can also be employed in systems that offer centralized security and access that is based upon permissions, like at work. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open front proxy, the administrator can allow only a few clients connection to internet through an common firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up on the client layer, which could involve a number of computers that have different settings and users you can set up a firewall set up at the front proxy layer.




Note that forward proxies must be manually set up in order to permit the use of these proxies, whereas reverse proxies can be ignored by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of a user is sent to the source server via the forward proxy privacy and security may be granted or kept in the dark.




There are many alternatives to look into for forward proxies:




Apache is an well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy capabilities.


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


Squid is an Open Source Forward Proxy which uses an HTTP protocol. It does not come with an the entire website server program. Learn more from our guide on how you can set up Squid proxy to enable private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward proxy that runs the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP so that it is better to work in situations like peer-to-peer communication. It is also possible to understand how to set up the Dante proxy that allows private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as an agent for the web server, taking care of any requests that come in from clients on behalf. This web server may include one server or several servers. It could also be used as an app server like Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios the request will come from a user via the internet in general. Most of the time the request is made directly to the server that hosts the information that the client is requesting. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to isolate Web server from direct communication with the web's public.




From the point of viewpoint from the perspective of a client the use of reverse proxy is not anything different than working with a Web server in direct contact. It's basically the same, but clients aren't able discern the difference. Client makes request for the resource and it gets it, with no additional configuration needed by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A centralized layer of security that guards the server.


Controlling traffic coming inbound on rules you can define.


New functionality added for caching.




Central security is a benefit for both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this feature only to the layer on the webserver and not to the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls on the server level that may contain multiple servers with various configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is centered in the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interacting with firewalls and interacting with client requests via web servers enables the firewall to focus on supplying resources.




In the event of multiple servers participating connected to a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also determines the requests to the server. There may be several web servers offering the same content, offering different types of services or a combination of both. These servers could be running the HTTP protocol similar to an ordinary web server. However, they could be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure reverse proxy servers to route visitors to a particular server based on the service they require, or to adhere to certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also benefit from their positioning before web servers by providing the capability of storing data. Large static assets can be created with caching rules to avoid needing to connect with web servers on every request. There are some solutions allowing you to serve static content directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. Additionally, the reverse proxy can handle the compression of these assets.




The popular Nginx web server can also function as an effective reverse proxy solution. While Apache is also a reverse proxy solution but it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is also equipped with a reverse proxy feature as an additional option for Apache unlike Nginx was originally designed to and focuses on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" and "reverse" come with connotations of directionality and misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing because both types of proxies deal with requests and responses. The best method to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies is to examine the needs of the app you're developing.




Reverse proxy is a useful tool when you're developing a solution to serve applications on the web via the internet. Reverse proxy servers represent your website whenever you interact on the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is placed before clients for personal use and in professional setting. They serve as a representation of your client's traffic for any interaction on the internet.




Separating by use case, instead of using the same names can help in making sure that there is no confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarifies the meaning of a proxy with two types: 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 proxies. If you're interested in exploring the implementation of proxies then you should learn how to configure Nginx for use as an online server and reverse proxy to Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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