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The phrase "proxy" is a reference to a proxy or proxy server. A proxy server is an application which serves as an intermediary between a client and server via the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, a user could make a request for the server directly and the server would provide an answer directly for the requester. Although this method is easy to comprehend and implement using proxies, it can provide advantages in terms of improved performance and privacy, security and more. In addition, a pass-through, a proxy acts as a security guardian for the internet between servers and clients.




In general, the combined mixture of the server's hardware as well as proxy software is often called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxies that are traditionally described as software, as well as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will offer details of two main types: namely a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind has its own unique usage scenario, which is often not understood due to the identical namesake convention.




This article will give you the basics of what subtypes and proxies can do and how they can perform in the most typical configurations. After reading this article, you'll be able identify scenarios where using proxies can be beneficial, and choose the best choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy also referred to by the name of the open proxy is an agent for the user trying to send an online request to an source server. In this scenario, the entire effort to send requests made by the client is instead sent via this forward proxy. Forward proxy acting in place of the client will review the request. It will first determine whether clients are authorized to send requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then reject requests or redirect them to the original server. The client doesn't have a direct connection to the internet. It has access to only the information that forward proxy enables it to connect to.




The most common reason for using forward proxy is for greater privacy or security when surfing the web. A forward proxy links to the internet, not the client. In this process, it uses an IP address distinct from the IP address used by the user.




Based on how it has been configured, the forward proxy will provide a variety of functions depending on how it is configured, which allows you to:




Beware of ads-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find restrictions based on your area.




Forward proxies may also be used in systems that provide security centrally and access based on user permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all internet traffic is routed via an open forward proxy the administrator is able to restrict access to a limited number of users to the internet, which is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of creating firewalls at clients, the layer may include multiple machines with different settings and users the firewall could be installed at the layer that forwards proxy data.




Take note that forward proxies need to be manually configured for use, and reverse proxies can be ignored from the clients. Based on the type of IP address of the user, it is sent to the server which originated it through forward proxy privacy and anonymity may be granted or hidden.




There are numerous options to consider in the case of forward proxy alternatives:




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


Nginx is another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open source forward proxy which uses an HTTP protocol. It's not part of the entire webserver system. We have a tutorial on how to set up Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to learn how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy is the agent of a web server that handles requests from users for. The web server could be a single server or even multiple servers. It may also act for application servers, for instance Gunicorn. In all cases, the request will be sent via the internet in general. In the majority of cases, requests will then be made direct to a server that hosts the resources that the user is looking for. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary, separating this webserver from direct interactions with the internet's open.




From the viewpoint of the user, the experience of using reverse proxy is no different than interacting with your webserver directly. It's basically the same however the client can't recognize the difference. The client sends an inquiry for an item and gets it, with no further configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Centralized security for web servers.


Direction of the traffic entering is based on rules you can establish.


The caching function is now available to users.




Although central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers. Reverse proxy services provide this benefit only to the server layer, not the layer of clients. instead of the maintenance of firewalls at the layer of web servers, which could contain several servers that have different configurations, the bulk protection of the firewall is centered in the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the burden of interacting with firewalls and responding to requests from clients without web servers allows them to concentrate on the requirements of their customers.




When there's multiple servers running within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy is also accountable for directing the requests directed to which servers. There may be several web servers that provide the same service, but each providing different types of resources or a mixture of both. They can use an HTTP protocol to function as a standard web server, but they also can be outfitted with application server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure a reverse proxy to direct users to specific servers based on the requested resource, or adhere to specific guidelines for the load of traffic.




Reverse proxies also can benefit from their position over web servers, by providing the ability to cache data. The large static files can be created using caching rules to prevent hitting web servers with every request. Some solutions allowing the delivery of static files without needing to connect to a web server in any way. Additionally reverse proxy can be used to compress these files.




The well-known Nginx web server can also function as an extremely popular reverse proxy solution. Although Apache can also be regarded as a reverse proxy option, it is not a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server has a reverse proxy capabilities as an additional option to Apache and Nginx was initially developed for and is focused on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Examples



Since "forward" and "reverse" are both associated with an impression of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic and can be confusing because both kinds of proxy servers handle requests and responses. The best way to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy is to look at the requirements of the app that you're constructing.




A reverse proxy could be beneficial in the creation of a system to deliver web-based applications on the internet. They are your web servers when you are on the web.




Forward proxy can be beneficial when it is put before clients to use for personal purposes, or even in a working environment. They are a representation of the client's activity when you use the internet.




The use case-based differentiation instead of using the most common naming conventions can help in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



In this article, we clarified the meaning of a proxy using two primary types of proxy: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Examples of practical use and a discussion of most useful features were utilized to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested to learn more about the advantages for proxy servers read our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as an internet proxy and reverse proxy to Apache in the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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