Proxy Sites Predictions For 2024

A proxy or proxy server is software which acts in the middle between client and server over the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users would send a request for the resource directly to a server, and then the server will serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this method is easy to grasp and use but the addition of proxies can provide advantages in the form of more performance, privacy and security, among other things. As an additional layer passing through, proxies act as a safeguard for the internet between servers and clients.

It is generally accepted that the combined system of server hardware along with the software to install proxy servers is usually called proxy servers. But, this article will focus on proxy servers that are usually described as software, as well as those utilized in conjunction with web servers. We will give a synopsis of the two major kinds of proxy servers, namely those that are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own specific usage that can cause confusion due to a similar terminology.

This article will give you an understanding of types of proxies and subtypes they are, and their utility in a variety of configurations. Through this article, you'll be aware of what situations in which a proxy is useful, and choose the best choice for forward or reverse proxy depending on the circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also referred to in the context of an open proxy is a proxy for a user who is trying to send an online request to a source server. In this scenario, the entire attempt to send requests from the client will rather be directed by the forward-proxy. The forward proxy, in its place as the customer, will examine the request. It will first verify if the client has been authorized to transmit requests using this particular forward proxy. It then will reject a request and forward it to the origin server. The client is not able to have direct connection to the internet. It is able to access only the information that the forward proxy allows the client to connect.

A common use case of forward proxies is to provide greater security or privacy on the internet. Forward proxy connects to the internet instead of a client and in this process, it uses an alternate IP address that is different from the client's initial IP address.

Based on how it has been configured according to the way it was configured, a forward proxy could offer a variety of features dependent on the way it's configured, which allows users to:

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  Beware of ad-tracker.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Determine the restrictions that are based on your area.
  
  

Forward proxies are also utilized in systems of centralized security and permission dependent access, such as in workplaces. When all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy, the administrator can restrict access to only a small user group to the internet, which is filtered through an common firewall. Instead of keeping firewalls in place for the client layer which can comprise a variety of computers with different environments and users there is the possibility to 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 utilized, whereas reverse proxy servers are often not noticed by clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client, it is sent to the server that originated it via forward proxy privacy and security is granted or kept secret.

There are a variety of alternatives to consider for forward proxies

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  Apache: A popular open-source web server that provides forward proxy capability.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Squid: A free forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire web server application. It is possible to read our guide on how to configure Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP, making it better suited to use in instances like peer-to-peer communication. You can also understand how to configure an Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy is a representative of a web server, which handles incoming requests by clients on its behalf. The web server could consist of a single server, or multiple servers. It could also serve as an app server such as Gunicorn. In either scenario the request comes from users on the internet in general. Most of the time, requests will get transmitted directly to the web server which has all the resources the client needs. However reverse proxy functions as an intermediary and isolates Web servers and their direct communication with the open internet.

From a consumer's point of the consumer's perspective, working with reverse proxy is not any different from using an internet server direct. It's the same thing, and the client cannot be able to discern the difference. The client asks for the resource, and is then granted without additional configurations that need to be done by the customer.

Reverse proxies can provide features such as:

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  A central layer of security that protects the server.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic coming inbound according to rules that you can create.
  
  
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  A new feature to cache is now available.
  
  

While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the server layer but not the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at Web server layers which can contain many servers and different configurations, most security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with requests from customers who aren't connected to web servers permits the firewall to concentrate on delivering the needs of their customers.

In the case of multiple servers operating within a reverse proxy, it manages controlling which requests go to which servers. A number of web servers could be operating from the same host, providing different types of resources or a combination of both. They use the HTTP protocol like a traditional web server. However, they could also be equipped with other protocols for application servers such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy settings to direct the clients towards specific servers according to the type of resource they are searching for, or comply with certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies also have the ability to gain advantages from their positioning prior to web servers, through providing caching functions. Large static assets can to be configured with caching rules to avoid having to call web servers every time you request. Certain solutions offer the option to deliver static files directly without touching the web server for even one time. Additionally reverse proxy is able to manage compression of these assets.

The popular Nginx web server is also used as a reliable reverse proxy solution. Although it is real it's true Apache webserver is fitted with an reverse proxy that is an additional option for Apache however Nginx was designed originally to and is primarily focused on the reverse proxy feature.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Examples

Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic and could be confusing because both types of proxy services process requests and respond. A better approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to think about the requirements of the application you're creating.

A reverse proxy is a great option when you're creating a solution for offering web-based solutions on the internet. They act as your servers in any interactions through the Internet.

Forward proxy software is advantageous when put in front of a client for personal use or in a professional context. They represent your customers when you connect to the internet.

A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the common naming conventions can assist you to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified the definition of a proxy along with two types: forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and an exploration of useful features were utilized to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in exploring the implementation of proxies we recommend you follow our guide on how to set up Nginx as a reverse proxy with Apache using one Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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