An proxy or proxy server is software which acts acting as an intermediary for client and server over the internet. Without proxy, a user could send a request for resources directly the server, and the server would serve direct to the client. Although this method is easy to understand and use, adding proxies offers advantages in the form of more performance, privacy and security, among others. As an additional layer of moving through, proxies serve as a guardian to the internet between servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the combined system of server hardware along with the software to install proxy servers is often referred to as proxy servers. But, this article will focus on proxy servers that are usually described in terms of software as and those used to complement web servers. We will give a synopsis of the two primary types of proxies, those that are a one that is forward and the reverse proxy. Each has their own use which may be confusing because of a similar language.




This article will provide you with an idea of the how proxies work and what their subtypes are, and their utility in a variety of configurations. By reading this article, you'll understand how to identify the scenarios that a proxy can be useful, and choose the best choice for forward or reverse proxy based on the specific situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy also known as the open proxy serves as a representative for a client that is trying to make an online request to a source server. In this case, the whole request sent by the client will rather be directed by the forward-proxy. A forward-proxy, in lieu of the user will examine the request. The first step is to check if the client been granted permission to send requests using this particular forward proxy. It then will reject a demand and then forward the request to an origin server. The client does not have direct connection to the internet. It is able to access only what the forward proxy allows it access to.




A common use case of forward proxies is greater security or privacy online. Forward proxy connects to the internet instead of a client, and during this process it is using an alternative IP address to the initial IP address of the client.




Based on the way it has been set up according to the configuration, forward proxy may provide a variety of functions dependent on the way it's set up, allowing you to:




Avoid ad tracking.


Circumvent surveillance.


Identify restrictions based on your area.




Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that use centralized security and dependent access, such as at workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows through a common forward proxy, the administrator can limit access for only a select group of users to the internet filtered by a common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place for the client layer which can comprise a variety of machines that have diverse environments and users, there is the possibility to set up an firewall that is located in the forward proxy layer.




It is crucial to keep in mind that forward proxy servers have to be manually configured for be utilized, whereas reverse proxy servers may be hidden from clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client is passed on to the server which created it via the forward proxy, privacy and security can be granted or kept secret.




There are a variety of choices to think about when it comes to forward proxy options:




Apache: A popular open-source web server offering forward proxy capabilities.


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


Squid: A free forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete website server software. You can read our 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 of HTTP which makes it more suited to use in instances such as peer-to-peer traffic. You can also learn how to setup the Dante proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy is an agent for a web server that handles incoming requests by clients on its behalf. The web server may comprise a single server or several servers. In addition, it could include an application server such as Gunicorn. In any case, the request is made by users on the internet in general. In the majority of cases, requests will get transmitted directly to the web server which has all the resources that the user is in need of. However reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that isolates Web server from direct interaction with the open internet.




From a consumer's point the consumer's perspective, working with reverse proxy isn't any different from interacting with an internet server direct. It's pretty much the same however the user cannot be able to discern the difference. The client makes a request for the resource, and receives it without additional configuration needed to be done by the customer.




Reverse proxies can provide features such as:




A centralized layer of security to guard the server.


Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you set up.


A new feature for caching has been added.




While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this to only the server layer and not the layer that clients use. instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers which can comprise multiple servers and different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is targeted at the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the ease of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with requests from clients that are not web servers allows the firewall to focus on delivering the needs of their clients.




In the case of multiple servers operating within a reverse proxy it also controls which requests are directed to which servers. Many web servers may be running on the same server, serving various kinds of services or a mix of the two. They use the HTTP protocol, which is similar to a traditional web server. However, they can be equipped with other protocols for application servers such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy settings to direct the clients towards specific servers based on the type of resource they are seeking, or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also have the ability to gain advantages from their positioning ahead of web servers by providing caching functionality. Large static assets are able to be configured using caching rules to avoid having to connect with web servers on every request. Certain software solutions allow you to deliver static files directly without having to contact the server once. Furthermore reverse proxy solutions can manage compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server can also function as a powerful reverse proxy service. It is real it's true Apache web server is outfitted with a reverse proxy which can be used in conjunction with Apache but Nginx was initially designed for and is focused on reverse proxy functionality.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use Examples



Because "forward" and "reverse" come with connotations of directionality as well as false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. It can be confusing since both types of proxies handle requests and response. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to take into account the requirements of the app you're creating.




A reverse proxy is useful in the case of creating a solution for offering web-based services via the internet. They function as servers for any interaction with the Internet.




Forward proxy applications can be beneficial when it is placed in front of the client for your personal usage and in the professional context. They represent your customers when you connect to the internet.




The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the commonly used naming conventions can help in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article defined what a proxy is along with two types: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and an exploration of useful features were utilized to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested in exploring the use of proxy servers then you should read our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy on Apache using the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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