The term "proxy" is a reference to the fact that a proxy or proxy server. It is an application that acts acting as a mediator between client and a server on the internet. Without the proxy, a user would send a request for any service straight to the server and it would serve the resource directly towards the customer. It is easy to understand and implement, using proxies can provide benefits through improved performance, privacy, security, and much more. As a pass-through layer, proxies serve as a security barrier on the internet between servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the set of server hardware along with installed proxy software is also often called proxy servers. However, this article will concentrate on proxy servers which are usually described as software, as well as ones that work together with web servers. The article will provide an explanation of the two major kinds, namely the forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own specific usage that could be confusing because of the overlap in terminology.




This article will provide an understanding of proxy types and their subtypes and also their significance in normal setups. After reading this article, you will be able recognize situations where a reliable proxy could be useful, and choose the best option for you between reverse proxy and forward proxy, in any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Also, a forward proxy sometimes called or an open proxy is an agent of an individual user trying to transmit the request online a source server. In this case, any request made by the user will be sent through this forward proxy. In this situation the forward proxy acting on behalf of the client will examine the request. In the beginning it will determine if clients are authorized send requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then either refuse requests or redirect it to its origin server. The client is not able to have direct access to the internet It is only able to access what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.




The primary reason for people for using forward proxy servers is to provide more privacy or security online. A forward proxy uses the internet for the individual client. And during this manner, it may make use of an IP address distinct from the original IP of the client.




Based on the way it's set up, a forward proxy can perform a variety of capabilities, including the capability to:




Beware of Ad-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine restrictions based upon your location.




Forward proxies also are used in systems to provide central security, as well as access granted on a permission basis, like in the workplace. When all internet traffic goes through an open forward proxy layer, administrators are able to restrict only a small number of users online access that is blocked by a common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls for clients, that may be utilized by multiple computers with various configurations and users, a firewall can be added to this forward proxy layer.




Keep in mind the fact that forward proxy servers have to be manually configured before they can be utilized while reverse proxy servers could be ignored by clients. Depending on whether an IP address from the user has been transferred to the server that is being used through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may be granted or hidden from view.




There are a variety of choices to consider for forward proxies.




Apache The Apache is a well-known open source web server which provides forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another popular open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy using the HTTP protocol. It doesn't provide the full web-based server. We recommend you read our guide on the best way to install Squid proxy to connect private networks in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante forward proxy which runs the SOCKS protocol, instead of HTTP this makes it better to handle situations like peer-to-peer connections. You could also look into how to configure Dante proxy to allow connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an agent on a web server. It manages requests received by clients on its behalf. The web server may function as a single server or multiple servers. Additionally, it can include an application servers, like Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios the request might be made by a user of the internet at large. The request will typically be sent directly to the server on the internet that holds the data the client wants. In contrast, a reverse proxy is a intermediary, separating the web server from direct communication with the open internet.




From the point of view of the client, interacting using reverse proxy isn't any different than interacting directly with an internet server. It's exactly the same, but the client doesn't see the difference. The client requests a resource and then receives it without additional configuration needed for the customer.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Centralized security to web server.


Incoming traffic is directed based upon rules that you can set up.


Additional functions to cache data.




Central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the layer on the webserver rather than the client layer. In lieu of maintaining firewalls on the server level which may include multiple servers that have various configurations, the bulk of firewall security can be focused at the reverse proxy layer. In addition, removing the burden of dealing with firewalls as well as communicating requests from clients off web servers allows the firewall to focus on supplying services.




In the event of multiple servers operating in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy can also be responsible for directing which requests are directed to which servers. There could be multiple web servers running from the same host, serving different kinds of services or a mix of both. These servers use the HTTP protocol to function as a standard web server. However, they can be equipped with other protocols for application servers such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy that directs clients to specific servers based on the resource requested or to follow certain guidelines regarding the load of traffic.




Reverse proxies also have the ability to take advantage of their position before web servers through caching capabilities. Massive static resources can be configured using caching rules to avoid hitting web servers with each request, with some solutions allowing you to serve static content without having to connect to a servers in any manner. Additionally, the reverse proxy is capable of compressing these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as a reliable reverse proxy service. While Apache is a reverse proxy solution however, it is not the only one. Apache web server also comes with reverse proxy capabilities, and is an additional option for Apache and Nginx was originally designed to and specifically focuses on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Examples



Because "forward" or "reverse" are both associated with a sense of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic the labels could be confusing, since both types of proxy can manage both requests and responses. The best method to distinguish between the reverse as well as forward proxy is to take into account the requirements of the app that you are developing.




A reverse proxy can be helpful when you are developing a solution to serve websites on the internet. They are your web servers in any interactions through the Internet.




A forward proxy is useful when it is used before customers for your own usage or even in a professional setting. They are your client's representative in any interactions on the internet.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the similar naming conventions can assist you in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article describes what a "proxy" is with the two major types of proxies being the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for its use and a look at useful characteristics were used to define the two types of proxy: forward and reverse. If you're interested exploring how to make proxies work, look up our guide on how to configure Nginx as reverse and web server proxy for Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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