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An proxy or proxy server is software that sits in the middle between a client and server via the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users could send a request for the resource directly to the server, and the server will serve that resource to its user directly. This method is simple to comprehend and utilize, using proxies has advantages such as increased performance, privacy and security, among others. In addition to moving through, proxies serve as a security layer to the internet between servers and clients.




In general, the package of server hardware with the software to install proxy servers is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on the proxy servers that are usually described in terms of software as well as those employed to complement web servers. We will give a synopsis of the two primary types of proxies: those that are a forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each has their own use which may be confusing due to a similar terminology.




This article will provide you with an idea of the types of proxies and subtypes they are, and their utility in a variety of configurations. After reading this article, you'll be aware of how to identify the scenarios where proxies are advantageous, and decide on the most appropriate option for forward or reverse proxy based on the specific situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy, also referred to by the name of the open proxy serves as a representative for a client that attempts to send an online request to a server. In this scenario, the entire request sent by the client will be directed by the forward-proxy. The forward proxy, in its place as the customer will scrutinize 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 original server. The client has no direct access directly to internet. It is able to access only what the forward proxy permits the client to connect.




A common use case of forward proxies is greater security or privacy online. A forward proxy is connected to the internet in place of a client. in this process it is using an alternative IP address to the client's initial IP address.




Based on the way it has been set up according to the method of configuration, forward proxy may offer a variety of features depending on how it's set up, allowing users to:




Do not be a victim of ad tracking.


Circumvent surveillance.


Identify restrictions based on your area.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems that rely on central security and permission dependent access, such as, in workplaces. When all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy, a administrator can limit access to a specific group of users to the internet through an common firewall. Instead of having firewalls in place for the client layer that could comprise a range of computers with different environments and users you can install an firewall that is located in the layer that forwards proxy traffic.




It is essential to note that forward proxy servers have to be manually set up to be used, while reverse proxies can remain unnoticed by clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client, it is sent to the server that originated it via the forward proxy privacy and security may be granted or left hidden.




There are many alternatives to consider for forward proxies




Apache The most well-known open source web server offering forward proxy capabilities.


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


Squid: A free forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. It doesn't provide a complete web server application. You can read our instructions on how to configure Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP and is better suitable for applications such as peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to setup an Dante proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary for a web server, which handles the incoming requests of clients on its behalf. Web servers can consist of a single server, or several servers. Additionally, it could serve as an app server such as Gunicorn. In both cases, the request will come from an internet user generally. Most of the time, the request will be sent directly to the web server that has all the resources that the user is requires. In contrast, a reverse proxy works as an intermediary and isolates Web server from direct communication with the internet.




From the consumer's point of the consumer's perspective, working with reverse proxy isn't any different from interacting with an internet server direct. It's basically the same however the user cannot be able to discern the difference. The client asks for this resource and is then granted without extra configuration that must be performed by the customer.




Reverse proxies offer features like:




A central layer of security to protect the server.


Controlling traffic coming inbound according to rules that you establish.


A new feature for caching is now available.




While centralized security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this to only the server layer, but not to the client layer. Instead of establishing firewalls on Web server layers which can contain many servers and different configurations, most security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the ease of interacting with a firewall and communicating with requests from clients that are not web servers allows the firewall to focus on addressing the needs of their clients.




In the case of several servers running in a reverse proxy it also determines which requests are sent to which servers. Many web servers may be working from the same host, providing different kinds of resources or a combination of the two. These servers utilize the HTTP protocol just like a conventional web server. However, they can be equipped with other protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can configure reverse proxy settings to direct the clients to specific servers depending on the kind of resource they are looking for, or to adhere to certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also be able to gain advantages from their positioning before web servers, by providing caching functions. Large static assets can to be configured with caching rules to avoid having to call web servers for every request. Some solutions offering an option to serve static assets directly without having to contact the server once. In addition reverse proxy is able to manage compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server can also function as an effective reverse proxy solution. Although it is true that the Apache webserver is also equipped with a reverse proxy, it is an additional option for Apache but Nginx was designed originally for and focuses on reverse proxy functionality.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Examples



Because "forward" and "reverse" come with connotations of directionality, they can lead to false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. It can be confusing since both types of proxies process requests and response. An alternative approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy service is to think about the requirements of the app that you're developing.




Reverse proxy can be useful when you're developing a solution to offer web-based services on the internet. They function as servers for any interaction with the Internet.




Forward proxy software is useful when they are placed in front of the client for personal use and in the professional context. They represent your clients whenever you use the internet.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the commonly used naming conventions can help in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article explains what a proxy is with two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications and an examination of the benefits were used to distinguish between forward and reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the implementation of proxies, you can learn how to set up Nginx as a reverse proxy on Apache on the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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