A proxy is also known as the software that acts as an intermediary between a client and server over the internet. Without a proxy, a user could make a request for servers directly, and servers would serve requests directly for the resource requested by the client. Although this may be a straightforward procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxies can provide benefits like improved performance and privacy, security and many more. As a pass-through layer proxy servers serve as a security barrier on the internet between clients and servers.




In general, the integrated package of server hardware with installed proxy software is commonly referred as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are generally referred to as software as in the context of web servers. The article will provide an explanation of the two main types that are forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the identical namesake convention.




This article will give you an idea of types of proxy services, what their subtypes are, and the ways they can be useful for common setups. If you read the article carefully, you'll be able understand the situations when it's beneficial to utilize the proxy service and determine the appropriate choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy in any circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy, also known by the name of the open proxy serves as the agent of the client, trying to send an internet request to an the server which made it. In this scenario any attempts to send requests from the user will instead be sent directly to 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 make requests via this specific forward proxy. Then, it can either reject requests or redirect them to the server it originated from. The client is not capable of having direct access to the internet. It is only able to access what the forward proxy permits the client to access.




The primary reason people utilize forward proxy services is to gain greater privacy or anonymity on the internet. A forward proxy utilizes the internet instead of an individual client and during this manner it can make use of an alternative IP address in place of the primary IP address of the client.




Depending on the method by which it's setup, forward proxy may offer a range of features and let you:




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Establish restrictions based upon the your location.




Forward proxies may also be used in systems that provide centralized security and access that is based upon permissions, like in a workplace. If all internet traffic is routed through a common front proxy, an administrator is able to permit only a few clients access to the internet through an ordinary firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls at the client layer that could include a variety of machines with different settings and users, it is possible to put a firewall set up at on an intermediary layer.




Note that forward proxies require manual setup for them to be used while reverse proxies may be ignored by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of a client is transmitted to the origin server via the forward proxy privacy and security may be granted or not.




There are several alternatives to look into for forward proxies:




Apache is a well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy features.


Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy functionality.


Squid: A free and free forward proxy that makes use of it's HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include an entire website server program. Learn more from our guide on how to use Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward proxy that operates the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer connections. You might also wish to know how to build the Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy is a representative of a web server that handles incoming requests from clients on behalf. The web server can comprise an individual server or a number of servers. Furthermore, it could function as an app server for instance, Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios, a request would originate from a user on the web at large. Most of the time, this request is sent directly to the web server hosting the information the client wants. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to separate Web server from direct contact with the internet's public.




From the point of the client's point of view, using a reverse proxy is no anything different than working with a web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same, but the client can't discern the difference. Client makes request for the resource and then it receives it without any extra configuration required for the end user.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A centralized layer of security that protects the server.


Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you can set up.


New feature added to caching.




Although central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy servers provide this benefit to the layer that is on the webserver, and not to the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level that may comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is placed in the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with requests from clients off of web servers allows firewalls to concentrate on providing the resources.




In the event of multiple servers within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy takes care of directing the requests to the server. There may be several web servers offering identical content, supplying different types of services or a combination of both. These servers could be running the HTTP protocol similar to the traditional web server. But, they may also be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure a reverse proxy to send users to a specific server based on the service they require or to follow certain guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also benefit from their positioning prior to web servers through the capability of storing data. The large static files can be set up with caching rules in order to avoid needing to connect with web servers on every request. Some solutions allowing you to serve static content directly without having to connect to the web server for even one time. In addition the reverse proxy can handle the compression of these assets.




The popular Nginx web server is also used as an effective reverse proxy solution. However, Apache is also a reverse proxy solution, the Apache web server is fitted with an reverse proxy feature as an additional option for Apache as opposed to Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases



Due to the fact that "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality, as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxies manage both requests as well as responses. The most effective way to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy is to study the requirements of the app you're creating.




Reverse proxy can be a valuable tool to use when creating a solution for serving web-based applications over the internet. Reverse proxy servers represent your website every time you use the internet.




A forward proxy can be helpful when placed before clients for your personal use and in professional setting. They are a representation of your client's traffic for any interaction on the internet.




The practice of segregating by use case instead of focussing on similar names can help in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain the significance of a proxy that has two types being the forward proxy as well as the reverse. Practical application scenarios as well as an exploration of beneficial attributes were used to determine forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you'd like to explore the use of proxy servers then you should learn how to configure Nginx for use as an online server and reverse proxy for Apache in Ubuntu 20.04 Server. Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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