The term "proxy" refers to a proxy, also called a proxy server software that serves as an intermediary between server and client over the internet. With no proxy in place, a client could submit a request for a resource directly to a server, and the server would then serve the resource directly for the client. This is a simple method to understand and implement but adding proxies offers benefits such as improved performance, privacy, security, and more. As an additional pass-through layer the proxy acts as a guardian for the internet between servers and clients.




Generally speaking, the combined mixture of the server's hardware and installed proxy software is commonly called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically classified as software when referring to web servers. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of two types: forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type of proxy has its own scenario, and is frequently not understood due to the similar terms.




This article will provide information about the different types of proxy services, what their subtypes are, and how they work in various configurations. By reading this article, you'll be able to identify the circumstances in which using proxy services is advantageous, and select the best option between forward and reverse proxy depending on the situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy sometimes called an open proxy serves as a representative for a client who wants to make an internet-based request to the server that originated it. In this situation, the entire process of sending requests by the user will instead be made through the forward proxy. A forward proxy acting instead of the client, will look at the request. It will then determine if this client is authorized to send requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then decide whether to deny any request or send it to the source server. The client has no direct access directly to internet. It can access only what the forward proxy allows it access to.




A common use of forward proxies is increased privacy or security while using the internet. Forward proxy can access the internet in place of a client. by doing this it can use a different IP address than the IP address used by the client.




Based on the way it has been configured, based on the way it is configured, forward proxy may offer you a variety of features based on how it is configured, which allows you to:




Do not be a victim of ad tracking.


Circumvent surveillance.


Be aware of restrictions based on the geographical location.




Forward proxies can also be used for security systems which are centralized as well as access that is permission-based, like at a workplace. If all traffic on the internet passes through an open forward proxy, an administrator is able to grant only a small number of clients connection to internet through the common firewall. Instead of setting up security firewalls at the layer of clients, that could include a variety of devices that operate in diverse environments and users, a firewall could be positioned at this intermediate layer of forward proxy.




It is essential to note that forward proxies must be manually set up for use while reverse proxies will be hidden from the user. Depending on the type IP address of the user, they are transferred to the server that is originally through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or not.




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




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


Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver that comes with the ability to forward-proxy.


Squid: A no-cost forward proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer the entire web server. You can read our article on how to set up Squid proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP and HTTP which makes it better for applications such as peer-to -peer traffic. You can also check out how to set up Dante proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary for the web server which manages any requests that come in from clients on its behalf. The web server could comprise servers, or even multiple servers. It could also be an application-server such as Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios the request will come via the web at large. In the majority of cases, the request will be made directly to the web server along with the resources the user is looking for. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, separating the webserver from direct communications with the open internet.




From the point of view of a user, the experience of interacting with reverse proxy isn't different from communicating with an internet server direct. It's functionally the same however the client can't discern the difference. The client makes a request for the resource, and is then provided with it, without any further configuration needed on the part of the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




Centralized security for web servers.


Controlling traffic that is incoming according to rules you have set.


New feature added to caching.




While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers. Reverse proxy servers provide this benefit only to that layer on the webserver and not those who are on the client side. instead of the maintenance of firewalls at the web server layer, that could include multiple servers and different configurations, the majority protection of firewalls is aimed to the reverse proxy layer. In addition, getting rid of the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and communicating with requests from clients off of web servers enables them to concentrate solely on the needs of their customers.




In the event of multiple servers using a reverse-proxy the reverse proxy also handles the direction that requests are directed to which servers. Multiple web servers could be running from the same host, offering various kinds of resources or a mix of the two. They can use the HTTP protocol just like a conventional web server, however they may also be able to be equipped with applications server protocols, such as FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy servers that redirect users to a particular server based on the service requested, or to adhere to specific rules pertaining to the traffic load.




Reverse proxies also gain by being placed on top of web servers by providing the ability to cache. The large static resources can be set up using caching rules to prevent needing to connect with web servers each time you request. Some solutions allowing you to directly serve static content without having to interact with the webserver at all. Additionally reverse proxy solutions are capable of handling the compression of these files.




The renowned Nginx web server functions as a well-known reverse proxy solution. Although Apache is an alternative to reverse proxy however, the Apache web server also comes with reverse proxy capabilities, however, it's a separate feature available to Apache unlike Nginx was originally designed to focus specifically on reverse proxy features.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use The Case



Since "forward" and "reverse" are ascribed to the notion of directionality, and inaccurate comparisons to "incoming" in addition to "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing since both types of proxy services handle requests and responses. The most effective way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to take into account the needs of the application you're creating.




A reverse proxy is a useful tool when you are developing a solution that can deliver web-based apps over the internet. They serve as your web servers for any interaction you make on the web.




Forward proxy are useful when put in front of users for personal use, or even in the workplace. They are a representation of your client's traffic whenever you interact on the internet.




The practice of separating by use case, instead of just focusing on the most the most common naming conventions will ensure that you aren't confused.



Conclusion



This article provides the definition of a proxy using the two main types, namely the reverse proxy and forward proxy. Examples of practical use and a look at advantageous features were utilized to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're keen to learn more about the benefits of proxies, then you can read our guide on how to set up Nginx as a reverse and web server proxy in Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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