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A proxy is also referred to a proxy server software which acts as a mediator between a client and server via the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, a user could make a request for servers directly and servers would provide direct to users. While this is a simple process to grasp and use the addition of proxy servers could result in benefits like enhanced performance as well as privacy, security and more. As a pass-through layer, proxies act as a gatekeeper of the internet between clients and servers.




Generally speaking, the combined package of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is typically called proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are generally referred to as software, as well as in the context of web servers. This article will give details of the two types of proxy servers, which include a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the similar namesake convention.




This article will provide an understanding of different types of proxy services and what their subtypes are, as well as how they can be beneficial for the common setups. If you've read the article carefully, you'll discern the scenarios where it's beneficial to utilize a proxy and decide on the right choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy, in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy also referred to in the context of or an open proxy is the agent of the client, trying to make an internet-based request to the server which made it. In this case, all attempts to send requests from the user are instead sent direct to the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy, instead of the client will review the request. It will first decide if the client can send requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it can either reject requests or redirect it to the server it originated from. The client is not allowed direct access to the internet. It can access only what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.




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




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




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Determine restrictions based on your location.




Forward proxies can also be employed in systems that offer centralized security and access that is based on permissions, for instance at work. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy layer, an administrator can allow only a small number of clients access to the internet through an ordinary firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls on the client layer, which could involve a number of computers with different settings and users, there is a way to have the firewall configured the front proxy layer.




Take note that forward proxies need to be set up manually in order to permit the use of these proxies, whereas reverse proxies can be omitted by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of a client is sent to the source server through the forward proxy, privacy and security may be granted or kept in the dark.




There are many possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxies.




Apache is a well-known open-source web server, that offers forward proxy features.


Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver which has forward proxy capabilities.


Squid: An free forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. The option does not include the entire website server program. Learn more from our guide on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante: A forward proxy that operates the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP so that it is better suited for cases such as with peer-to-peer traffic. You might also wish to understand how to set up a Dante proxy that allows private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy is a representative of a web server, handling incoming requests from clients on its behalf. The web server can comprise an individual server or a number of servers. Additionally, it can serve as an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations, a request would be made by a user through the web at large. Most of the time the request is made directly to the website server that hosts the information that the user is requesting. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to shield Web server from direct interaction with the web's public.




From a consumer's point of the client's point of view the use of reverse proxy is not anything different than working with a Web server in direct contact. It's basically the same thing, however clients aren't able discern the difference. Client makes request for the resource and it then gets it, with no further configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A centralized layer of security that protects the server.


Controlling traffic that is inbound according to rules that you can set up.


New functionality added for caching.




Central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this benefit to the layer that is on the webserver, and not the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at the server level which may include multiple servers that have different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is placed on the reverse proxy layer. Also, the removal of the responsibility of interacting with firewalls as well as interfacing with client requests off of web servers enables the firewall to concentrate on providing resources.




In the case of multiple servers that are in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy takes care of directing which requests go at the server. There may be multiple web servers providing the same content, providing different kinds of services or a mix of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol in the same way as a traditional web server. But, they may also be equipped with protocol for application servers like FastCGI. It is possible to configure reverse proxy software to redirect visitors to specific server depending on the service they require or to comply with specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies benefit from being placed before web servers by providing the capability to store data. Large static assets can be configured using caching rules to prevent having to call web servers on every request, with some solutions even allowing users to serve static content directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. Additionally, the reverse proxy is able to manage the compression of these assets.




The renowned Nginx web server also functions as a reliable reverse proxy service. However, Apache is also a reverse proxy solution but the Apache web server also comes fitted with an reverse proxy function as an additional option for Apache unlike Nginx was initially designed for and is focused on reverse proxy functions.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" or "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, as well as inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic The labels could be confusing since both types of proxies deal with both requests as well as responses. The best method to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy is to study the requirements of the app you're creating.




Reverse proxy is an effective tool when you're creating a solution for serving web-based applications via the internet. They act as your web servers every time you use the web.




A forward proxy can be helpful when it is placed in front of clients for your personal use and in professional context. They serve as a representation of your client's web traffic during any online interaction.




Separating by use case, instead of focusing on the similar naming conventions will assist you in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain the significance of a proxy with two types being the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and the exploration of attributes that are beneficial were used to distinguish forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in exploring the implementation of proxies, you can learn how to configure Nginx for use as an online server and reverse proxy for Apache on the Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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