proxy is also referred to as a proxy is commonly referred to for its role as a proxy server software that sits in the middle between a server and client via the internet. Without proxy, a user would make a request any resource directly to the server and then the server would deliver the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple method to understand and use, however, the addition of proxy servers can offer advantages in terms of increased performance, privacy, security, and much more. In addition to providing a layer of security, a proxy acts as a security guard for the internet between users and servers.

The combined combination of server hardware and the software for proxy installation is often referred to as proxy servers. In this article, we will focus on proxies traditionally classified as software, and in connection with web server. We will provide a description of the two main types of proxies. These are an forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each one has its own use situation, and is frequently confused due to the overlap in name convention.

This article will provide you with an understanding of what proxies and their subtypes are and the ways they can be useful in a variety of configurations. Through this article, you'll learn to identify situations in which it is beneficial to use a proxy and make the right alternative between forward and reverse proxy depending on the circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

A forward proxy, also known in the form of open proxy. An open proxy acts as an agent for a user who is trying to connect via the internet to an source server. In this situation, any attempt to send a request by the client will instead be sent through the forward proxy. Forward proxy in the client's stead is able to examine the request. It first decides if the client has been granted permission to accept requests from this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either refuse requests or redirect it to the server that originated it. It's not able to directly connect to the internet. It is only able to access the information the forward proxy enables it to access.

A common use for forward proxy is to provide more privacy or security while surfing the web. The forward proxy is connected to web as a user and in this process, it uses an alternative IP address to the client's IP address.

Based on the way it has been configured based on the method it was set up, forward proxy may provide a variety of functions which allow users to:

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  Avoid tracking ads.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You can identify limitations based on your geographic location.
  
  

Forward proxies can also be used in systems that give central security as well as access permissions, for instance at work. Internet traffic can be routed by an open forward proxy, administrators can restrict access for specific people to connect on the internet, and this is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of having firewalls at the client layer, which may be used by several computers that have different types of environments and users A firewall can be located at this forward proxy layer.

Be aware that forward proxies have to be manually setup to allow the use of them, but reverse proxy servers will not be noticed by users. Based on the fact that an IP address from the client is transmitted to the source server through forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a variety of alternatives to think about when considering forward proxies.

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server, which offers forward proxy functions.
  
  
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  Nginx is another well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Squid is an free forward proxy that makes use of the HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the whole web server. We have a step-by-step guide to setup Squid proxy to allow connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP, making it ideal for scenarios such as peer-to-peer traffic. You could also examine how you can install an Dante proxy that allows private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is an intermediary for a web server, handling the incoming requests of clients in its place. The server could function as a single server or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could include an application servers, like Gunicorn. In any case it is possible to get a request from a customer via the internet in general. In most cases the request will be made directly to the website server hosting the information the client is asking for. Instead, a reverse proxy serves as an intermediary in order to block your server from communications with the web's public.

From a consumer's point of view that is an individual's view, interacting via reverse proxy isn't any different from connecting to the server by itself. It's functionally identical to an internet server. The client cannot tell the distinction. Clients can request the resource, and receive it, without any additional configuration needed by the user.

Reverse proxies grant features like:

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  Centralized security for web servers.
  
  
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  The direction of traffic that is incoming by using rules that you design.
  
  
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  The caching functionality was added to the application.
  
  

While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies perform this for only the layer of web servers but not the client layer. Instead of implementing firewalls at the web servers which might include multiple servers that have different configurations, the bulk of the firewall security is centered at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, getting rid of the necessity of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with requests from clients that do not use web servers lets them concentrate on providing the needs of their customers.

In the event of multiple servers being hosted through a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also takes care of directing which requests are routed to which server. Multiple servers may be providing the exact same service, but having different resources, or a combination of both. They can use the HTTP protocol similarly to an ordinary web server however, they could also be outfitted with application server protocols like FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy servers to redirect customers to specific server based on the resource they are looking for or to adhere to certain guidelines for traffic load.

Reverse proxy systems can also profit from their placement on the web servers with caching capabilities. Large static files can be arranged using caching rules to prevent hitting web servers with every request. Some solutions even allowing you to serve static content directly without having to connect to a web server in any way. Additionally reverse proxy has the ability to compress these assets.

The popular Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy service. While it's real that Apache web server comes with reverse proxy function, it's an alternative option for Apache and not the default option. Nginx was initially designed and focused on the reverse proxy feature.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Cases

Since "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with a sense of directionality and misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. These labels can confuse because both types of proxies manage the flow of requests as well as responses. The best way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy services is to take into account the needs of the application you're developing.

Reverse proxy is a crucial aspect when developing an infrastructure to connect web-based applications to the internet. They serve as your web servers in any interaction with the internet.

Forward proxy applications are advantageous when displayed in front of clients for personal use or in a workplace. They are a representation of the traffic of your client when you interact with the internet.

A case-based approach to differentiation rather than focusing exclusively on the most common names can ensure that you don't get confused.

Conclusion

This article clarified what a "proxy" is with the two primary kinds being forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a discussion of beneficial features were utilized to distinguish between forward proxy and reverse proxy. If you're considering how to use proxies, follow our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as a webserver and reverse proxy for Apache on Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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