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The term "proxy" is a reference to a proxy often known as proxy server software that acts as an intermediary between server and client on the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users could send a request to the server directly, and the server would serve the requested resource directly to the user. While this approach is straightforward to understand and implement, adding proxies offers benefits such as increased performance and security, privacy, and so on. As a pass-through layer the proxy functions as a guardian for the internet between clients and servers.




It is generally accepted that the set of server hardware coupled with the software for proxy installation is often called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically classified as software, and specifically in relation to web servers. This article will give a synopsis of the two main types of proxies: that is forward proxy and reverse proxy. forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the common terminology.




This article will provide you with an understanding of nature of proxies, as well as their subtypes are and the ways they can be useful in various configurations. If you read this article, you'll learn to identify situations where the use of proxy servers is beneficial, and then determine the best choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy also known by the name of an open proxy is the client's representative who is trying to transmit requests via the internet to an source server. In this situation, any attempt to send a request from the user's side will be made through the forward proxy. This forward proxy in place of the user will review the request. Then, it will decide whether or not the client is able to send requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then decide whether to reject the request or send it back to its source server. The client is unable to connect directly to the internet. It can only reach what the forward proxy permits for it to reach.




The primary reason for people for using forward proxy services is to improve privacy or security while using the internet. A forward proxy is able to connect to the internet rather than the client. In this way, it utilizes an IP address that is different from the IP address used by the client.




Based on the way it's configured, and how it's set up forward proxy can provide a variety of functions that allow users to:




Beware of ads-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine restrictions based on your geographical place of residence.




Forward proxies are also used to secure systems that are centralized and have access is based on permissions, such as in a workplace. In the event that all internet traffic is routed through a common forward proxy layer, an administrator can restrict access to only a limited number of internet users, which is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of establishing security firewalls on the layer that is used by clients which can be used by multiple computers with different environments and types of users there is a way to establish an firewall that is located in the forward proxy layer.




It is important to note that forward proxies must be manually configured for use in order to be utilized, whereas reverse proxy servers can be hidden from the view of clients. Based on whether or not an IP address belonging to the user is relayed back to the origin server by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may be granted or not.




There are a variety of possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxy services.




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


Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy capabilities.


Squid: A free forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. It's not included with the complete web server. Check out our instructions on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP which allows it to be more suitable for situations such as peer-to -peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an agent for a web server which handles requests from customers for its behalf. It could represent one or more servers. It could also represent an application server like Gunicorn. In any case, a request would come via the internet in general. The request is typically directed directly to the web server which hosts the resources the user is in need of. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary and isolates the web server from direct interactions with the web's public.




From the viewpoint of the individual client's perspective the process of utilizing reverse proxy is not different from interacting with the server in its own way. It's the same, but the client is unable to see the distinction. The client requests the resource, and is then supplied with it, without additional configuration needed for the customer.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




The server for the web is secure centrally.


Incoming traffic is directed based upon rules you set.


A new feature for caching has been added.




While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers. However, reverse proxies offer this feature to only the server layer, they do not offer this feature to clients. instead of the maintenance of firewalls on the server level that could include several servers, each with different configurations, the majority of firewall security is concentrated at the reverse proxy level. Additionally, removing the burden of working with firewalls and interacting with client requests away from web servers enables the firewall to concentrate on providing the requirements of their customers.




In the event that there's multiple servers hosted within a reverse proxy this reverse proxy will be also accountable for the way requests are routed to the server that is hosting them. Multiple web servers could be offering the same service, offering different types of resource or a mix of both. They may employ their HTTP protocol to serve as an ordinary web server but can also include applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can also set up a reverse proxy to direct users to a specific server based on the resource requested or to abide by certain guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also gain from their placement prior to web servers by offering the ability to cache. Large static assets can be configured by caching rules to avoid 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. Additionally, reverse proxy is capable of compressing these assets.




The renowned Nginx web server also functions as a reliable reverse proxy solution. Even though Apache can also be a reverse proxy solution, the Apache web server comes equipped with a reverse proxy functionality which is an additional feature that is available for Apache however Nginx was initially designed to specifically focus on reverse proxy features.



The difference in Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, and false distinctions between "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with both requests as well as responses. An alternative method to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to look at the requirements of the program you're developing.




Reverse proxy can be useful when you are developing an application that connects web-based applications on the internet. They are your web servers when you interact using the internet.




Forward proxy is useful when used to present your customers' information to use for personal purposes or in an environment that is professional. They act as your client's proxy for interactions on the internet.




The ability to differentiate by the use of case instead of focusing solely on naming conventions that are commonplace can help you avoid confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain what a proxy is with two types: forward proxy and reverse proxy. Examples of how to use it and a review of the useful features were used to differentiate forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested to learn more about the use of proxy servers, you should check out our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as a reverse proxy using Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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