"proxy" is a term used to describe a server "proxy" refers to a proxy frequently referred to as proxy servers are software that serves as an intermediary between a server and client via the internet. Without a proxy, a client can send a request for an item directly to a server, and the server would serve the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple method to understand and use, proxies can provide advantages like more speed and security, privacy, and so on. As a layer of pass-through, the proxy functions as a guardian to the internet between users and servers.




In general, the system of server hardware that is paired with the software for proxy installation is usually called proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are generally considered to be software but specifically with respect to web servers. This article will give a synopsis of the two primary types of proxy servers: a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the similar terminology.




This article will provide you with an idea of nature of proxies, as well as their subtypes and ways they can be useful in various configurations. If you go through this article, you'll learn to identify situations where using proxies can be beneficial, and then determine the most appropriate choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy is also referred to by the name of the open proxy serves as the representative of the client trying to relay requests via the internet to a server that is the source. In this scenario, every request made by the user will instead be handled by an forward proxy. This forward proxy acting in the place of the client will review the request. Then, it will determine whether or not the client is able to make requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it will orally reject a request and send it back to its server that originated the request. The client isn't able to establish a direct connection with the Internet. It is only able to connect to what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.




The most popular reason to utilize forward proxy servers is to increase security or privacy when surfing the internet. A forward proxy is able to access the internet rather than the client. In this way, it utilizes a different IP address than the original IP address of the client.




Based on the way it's set up depending on how it's set up forward proxy can offer a range of functions, allowing you to:




Beware of ad-tracker.


Circumvent surveillance.


You will be able to identify any restrictions based upon your geographical location.




Forward proxies are also used for security systems that are centralized and access is based on permissions, such as in a workplace. If all internet traffic goes through a common forward proxy layer an administrator could limit access for only a select group of users to the internet that is then filtered through a common firewall. Instead of creating security firewalls on the layer that is used by clients that can be utilized by a variety of computers, with various settings and types of users, it is possible to set up a firewall located at the front proxy layer.




It is important to note that forward proxies need to be configured manually for use before they can be used, whereas reverse proxies are able to remain unnoticed by clients. Based on whether or not the IP address of the user is relayed back to the server of origin by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity can be granted or not.




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




Apache An open source, well-known web server that comes with forward proxy capability.


Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver that includes forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is a free forward proxy which uses an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the complete web server. Learn more about how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which allows it to be more suitable for applications such as peer-to -peer traffic. You may also want to check out how to configure Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an intermediary for server on the internet, which processes requests from customers for its behalf. The server could be a single, or multiple servers. It could also represent an application server such as Gunicorn. In any case it is possible to send a request via the internet in general. Typically, the request is sent directly to the web server hosting the information that the client requires of. In contrast, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary and isolates the web server from direct interactions with the internet's public.




From the perspective of the client an individual's point of view the process of utilizing reverse proxy is the same from interacting with the server by itself. It's the exact same thing, however the client can't see the difference. Client requests the resource and then receives it, with no extra configuration required from the user.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




The web server is secured centrally.


Traffic coming into your site is routed according to the rules you establish.


A new feature for caching has been added.




While centralized security is a benefit offered by both forward and reverse proxy servers. However, reverse proxies provide this benefit only to the server layer, they do not offer this feature to clients. Instead of focusing on maintaining firewalls on the server level that could include multiple servers, each with various configurations, the bulk of firewall security is concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of working with firewalls and connecting with client requests away from web servers enables the firewall to focus on serving the needs of their customers.




In the event that there's multiple servers being hosted by a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is also accountable for the way requests are routed at the server that is hosting them. Multiple web servers could be providing the exact same service, but offering different types of resource or a combination of both. These servers may use an HTTP protocol to serve as an ordinary web server however they can also use applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can also set up reverse proxy settings to send users to specific servers based on the resource being requested or to follow certain guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also gain from their position in front of web servers, by providing caching capabilities. Large static assets can be configured using caching rules to prevent hitting web servers on every request. There are solutions allowing you to directly serve static files without having to connect to the web server in any way. Furthermore, the reverse proxy can manage compressing these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a reliable reverse proxy service. Although Apache has a reverse proxy service however, the Apache web server comes fitted with reverse proxy functionality which is an additional option that is accessible to Apache however Nginx was designed originally to specifically focus on reverse proxy capabilities.



The difference between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Since "forward" and "reverse" have connotations of directionality as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic The labels can be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with both requests as well as responses. An alternative method to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to analyze the requirements of the application you're developing.




A reverse proxy can be helpful when you're developing an application that connects web applications to the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you connect to the internet.




Forward proxy can be helpful when you are before customers to use for personal purposes or in a professional setting. They act as your client's proxy when you interact with the internet.




Distinguishing by use case instead of solely focusing on the common naming conventions will assist you in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article describes what a proxy is with two types: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical examples of use and a brief overview of advantageous characteristics were used to differentiate forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're keen to learn more about proxy servers, look over our guide on how you can configure Nginx as a reverse proxy by using Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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