An proxy or proxy server is software that sits as an intermediary between a client and server via the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users would send a request for resources directly the server, and the server would provide direct to the client. This method is simple to understand and use, using proxies has advantages, such as more performance, privacy and security, among other things. As an additional layer of being able to pass through, proxies function as a safeguard to the internet between servers and users.




It is generally accepted that the system of server hardware along with the software to install proxy servers is usually called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are usually described as software as well as those that are employed in conjunction with web servers. This article will provide a brief overview of the two primary types of proxies: the forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own specific usage that can cause confusion because of a similar language.




This article will give you an understanding of how proxies work and what their subtypes are, as well as their benefits in a range of configurations. Through in this post, you'll be aware of what situations that a proxy can be beneficial, and determine the most appropriate option to use a forward or reverse proxy, based on the situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy, also referred to as open proxy. An open proxy serves as a representative for a client that is trying to connect online to a server. In this situation the entire attempt to send requests from the client is instead controlled by the forward proxy. A forward-proxy, acting in its place as the customer, will review the request. It will first determine whether the client has been authorized to transmit requests via this particular forward proxy. It then will reject a request and forward it to the source server. The client is not able to have direct access for the web. It can access only the information that the forward proxy allows the client to connect.




The most frequent use of forward proxies is greater security or privacy on the internet. The forward proxy can connect to internet in place of a client and as a result it utilizes an alternate IP address to the initial IP address of the client.




Based on how it has been configured according to the method of configuration, a forward proxy could offer a range of features dependent on the way it's configured, which allows you to:




Beware of ad-tracker.


Circumvent surveillance.


Determine the restrictions that are based on your location.




Forward proxies also are used in systems that rely on central security and permission dependent access, such as at workplaces. When all internet traffic is routed through a common forward proxy, an administrator is able to limit access for only a select set of users to the internet, which is filtered through an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place on the client layer, which may comprise several computers with diverse environments and users, there is the possibility to set up an firewall that is located in the layer that forwards proxy traffic.




It is important to remember to remember that forward proxy servers must be manually set up to use, whereas reverse proxies may be hidden from clients. Depending on the kind of IP address the client, it will be passed to the server that originated it through the forward proxy privacy and security may be granted or kept hidden.




There are a myriad of alternatives to consider for forward proxies




Apache is a well-known open-source web server offering forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server, which has forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete web server application. We have instructions on how to set-up Squid proxy to permit private connections with Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP which makes it more for use in situations such as peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to setup the Dante proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an agent for web servers that handle incoming requests by clients on behalf of. Web servers can be a single server or multiple servers. Additionally, it could be an application server, such as Gunicorn. In either scenario the request comes from users on the internet in general. In the majority of cases your request is made directly to the server which has all the resources the client is needs. In contrast reverse proxy functions as an intermediary that isolates Web servers and their direct communication with the open internet.




From a consumer's point view, interacting with reverse proxy is not any different from using an internet server direct. It's pretty much the same, and the client cannot discern the distinction. The client requests the resource, and it is then granted without extra configuration that must be completed by the client.




Reverse proxies offer features like:




A centralized layer of security that protects the server.


Controlling traffic that is inbound on rules that you create.


A new feature for caching is now available.




While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxies, reverse proxies provide this feature only to the server layer, but not to the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers which can comprise multiple servers and different configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interacting with a firewall and communicating with clients outside of web servers permits the firewall to focus on addressing the needs of their clients.




If there are several servers running in reverse proxy, it controls which requests are directed towards which servers. Many web servers may be working within the exact same system, providing various kinds of services or a combination of both. They use the HTTP protocol just like a conventional web server. They can also be equipped with application server protocols like FastCGI. It is possible to configure reverse proxy servers to guide the clients to specific servers depending on the kind of resource they are searching for, or adhere to certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies are also able to gain advantage from their position before web servers, by providing caching functions. Large static assets can to be configured using caching rules so that they do not have to connect with web servers on every request. Certain software solutions allow you to deliver static files directly without touching the web server for even one time. Additionally reverse proxy is able to manage compression of these files.




The renowned Nginx web server can also function as an effective reverse proxy solution. While it is true it is true that Apache web server is also equipped with a reverse proxy which is an additional option for Apache however Nginx was initially designed to and is primarily focused on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use Examples



Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality as well as inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic and can be confusing since both types of proxies handle requests and response. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to think about the requirements of the application that you're working on.




Reverse proxy can be useful when you are creating a solution for offering web-based services on the internet. They function as servers when you interact with the Internet.




Forward proxy applications can be useful when they are put in front of a user for personal use or in a professional context. They are your client's representative when you connect to the internet.




The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on standard naming conventions will assist in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarified what a proxy is with two types: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and an exploration of useful features were utilized to distinguish between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested in exploring the use of proxy servers, you can follow our guide on how to set up Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy with Apache using one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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