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proxy, also known as a proxy is commonly referred to by the name of a proxy, a software that sits in the middle between server and client on the internet. Without a proxy, a user can send a request for a resource directly to the server, and then the server will provide direct access to that resource. This method is simple to understand and use, however, the addition proxy servers may provide benefits in terms of increased performance, privacy and security, among other things. Alongside providing a layer of security the proxy also acts as a gatekeeper to the internet, separating clients and servers.




The bundle of server hardware with installed proxy software is also commonly referred to as proxy servers. For this post, we will focus on proxies traditionally classified as software, and also in the context of web servers. The article will give a detailed breakdown of the two primary types of proxies, which are the forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each one has its own use scenario that is often confused due to the overlap in name convention.




This article will give you an understanding of what proxy servers and their subtypes are and the ways they can be useful in a variety of configurations. In this guide, you'll be able to discern the scenarios where the use of proxies is advantageous, and then make the best choice between forward and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



An forward proxy sometimes known by the name of open proxy. An open proxy is a proxy for a user who is trying to send a request through the internet to an source server. In this scenario every attempt to send a request by the client will be handled by the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in the place of the client is able to examine the request. It will first determine if the client has been granted permission to accept requests from this particular forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect them to the source server. It's not able to directly connect to the internet. It is only able to access the information forward proxy allows it to access.




A common use for forward proxy is to provide more privacy or security while surfing the web. The forward proxy is connected to the internet as a client and during this way, it assigns an alternative IP address to your client's IP address.




Depending on how it has been configured based on the method it was set up forward proxy can provide a wide range of options that allow you to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine restrictions based upon your geolocation.




Forward proxies are also employed in systems that provide central security as well as access permissions, for instance in the workplace. Internet traffic can be routed through an open forward proxy. administrators can grant access only to specific individuals to access the web, which is blocked by the typical firewall. Instead of having firewalls at the client layer, this can be used by multiple computers that have different environments and types of users. A firewall may be found at this forward proxy layer.




It is important to know that forward proxies require manual setup in order to allow their use, however reverse proxies will not be detected by the user. Based on the fact that an IP address from a user is transmitted to the source server via forward proxy Privacy and anonymity could be granted or hidden.




There are a variety of options to consider when considering forward proxy services.




Apache The Apache is a popular open-source web server, which offers forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another well-known open source web server with forward proxy functions.


Squid is an Open Source Forward Proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. It isn't part of the whole web server. This is a step-by-step tutorial for setting up Squid proxy to allow connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP, making it better suited for cases like peer-to-peer traffic. You can also look at how you can install an Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary for a web server, handling the incoming requests of clients in its place. This server can serve as a one server, or as a set of servers. Furthermore, it could comprise an application server, such as Gunicorn. It is possible to receive an inquiry from a client via the web at large. In the majority of cases the request will be sent directly to the server that hosts the information the client is asking for. A reverse proxy works as an intermediary in order to block your web server from communication with the web's public.




From a consumer's point view that is from a user's perspective, interacting via reverse proxy isn't any different from connecting to the server by itself. It's functionally the same as Web server and user isn't able to tell the distinction. Clients can request the resource, and is then provided with it, without any extra configuration required from the user.




Reverse proxies grant features like:




Centralized security for web servers.


Controlling traffic coming in by using rules that you create.


A new feature for caching has been added.




While centralized security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy services, reverse-proxies provide this for servers on the internet, but not the layer of clients. instead of having firewalls installed on the layer of web servers that may contain multiple servers with various configurations, the majority of firewall security is concentrated on the layer of reverse proxy. Furthermore, removing the obligation of interfacing with a firewall and interacting with requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to concentrate on addressing the needs of their clients.




In the case of multiple servers hosting through a reverse proxy the reverse proxy takes care of directing which requests go to which server. Multiple servers may be offering the identical service, however each offering different kinds of resources, or a combination of both. They can utilize the HTTP protocol similar to an ordinary web server however, they could also be outfitted with application server protocols like FastCGI. It is possible to set up a reverse proxy to direct clients to an individual server depending on the resource requested, or to observe certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxy solutions also benefit from their positioning on the web servers with the caching feature. Large static assets can be configured with caching rules in order to avoid hitting web servers every time you request. Some solutions even allowing the server to serve static files directly, without needing to connect to the web server in any way. In addition the reverse proxy is able to compress these files.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as a well-known reverse proxy solution. It is certain that Apache web server has a reverse proxy feature, it's an alternative option. Apache as opposed to Nginx was originally designed to and focused on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use - Situations



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with a sense of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic. These labels are confusing because each type of proxy handles both requests and replies. The best way to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy is to think about the needs of the application you're creating.




Reverse proxy is an important element when designing a solution to deliver web-based applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers in any interaction with the internet.




Forward proxy applications can be useful when they are put in front of customers for personal use or in a workplace. They represent your client's traffic when you use the internet.




A case-based approach to distinction instead of focusing only on common naming conventions can ensure that you don't be confused.



Conclusion



This article clarified what an "proxy" is with the two most common types of them being the reverse and forward proxies. Practical applications and a discussion of beneficial features were utilized to distinguish between forward proxy from reverse proxy. If you're interested exploring how to set up proxies, read our guide on how to set up Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy to Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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