The word "proxy" is a reference to the term "proxy" which refers to proxy or proxy server a server software that serves in the role of an intermediary client and a server on the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users would make a request resources directly to a server, while the server will return the resource directly back at the requester's expense. While this approach is straightforward to comprehend and utilize, adding proxies offers advantages including improved performance and privacy, security and more. As an additional pass-through layer the proxy serves as a security guardian of the internet between clients and servers.




Generally speaking, the bundled system of server hardware coupled with the installed proxy software is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will focus on the types of proxies that are typically thought as software, and specifically with regard with web server. The article will provide an explanation of the two major kinds, namely one being a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own use case, often confused due to the overlapping terminology.




This article will give you the knowledge of the types of proxy and what their subtypes are and how they work in a variety of configurations. Through this article, you'll be able to recognize the situations where a proxy is beneficial, and choose the correct solution between forward and reverse proxy in any circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy, also called an open proxy, is a means of intermediary for clients trying to make a request via the internet to connect to a source server. In this scenario, the entire attempt to send requests made by the user is transmitted via the forward proxy. This forward proxy acting as a substitute that of the user, would take a look at the request. In the beginning, it will determine if the client can accept requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then deny requests or redirect it to the server that originated it. The client isn't able to have direct access to the internet. It is only able to access what forward proxy allows for it access to.




The most common reason for using forward proxies is to gain more privacy or security when using the internet. A forward proxy accesses the internet using the user and, in doing so, it may use an alternative IP address in addition to the client's original IP address.




Depending on how it has been configured in accordance with the way it was configured, a forward proxy could offer a range of features and let you:




Beware of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find restrictions based on the geolocation of your home.




Forward proxies also are used in systems of centralized security and permission-based access like in workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows through a forward proxy open layer, administrators are able to grant access to only a few people to connect on the internet, and this is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls for the client layer which can be used by several computers that have different configurations, users and settings, firewalls can be set up at the layer that forwards proxy traffic.




It is important to remember that forward proxies must be manually configured for use and reverse proxies may be ignored by the client. Based on the type of the IP address that a user is transmitted to the server where it was received through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity could be granted or not.




There are many options to consider forward proxy options:




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


Nginx: Another well-known open source server for hosting websites with the ability to forward-proxy.


Squid is an open source forward proxy based on the HTTP protocol. It's not the full webserver system. You can refer to our step-by-step instructions to install Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy which uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which allows it to be better suited for usage in situations like peer-topeer traffic. You might also want to learn how to set up the Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary for a web server that handles incoming requests from customers on behalf of the server. The web server could function as a one server, or a number of servers. It could also be used in the role of an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any event the request will be made through the internet in general. In most cases the request would go directly to the web server, containing the information that the user wants. However, reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, securing the web server from direct communication to the open internet.




From a user's point of perspective, the experience of working with reverse proxy isn't any different than working with the server itself. It's the same, but the client can't discern the difference. Clients can request the resource and is provided with it, with no further configuration needed by the client.




Reverse proxy providers offer features such as:




Centralized security for the web server layer.


Traffic coming into your site is routed by rules you have set.


The caching feature is now available to users.




While central security can be a benefit of both reverse and forward proxies, reverse proxies provide this service at the layer of web servers but not to the client layer. instead of having to maintain firewalls on Web server layers that could contain multiple servers with various configurations, the majority of the firewall security is concentrated at reverse proxy layers. In addition, getting rid of the hassle of dealing with firewalls and interacting with requests from clients outside of web servers permits them to focus on delivering the needs of their clients.




If there are multiple servers running in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy manages which requests go to which server. There may be many web servers offering the identical service, but each providing different kinds of resources, or a combination of both. These servers could be running the HTTP protocol to function as a traditional web server. However, they could also be using application server protocols such as FastCGI. It is possible to configure reverse proxy settings to send users to a specific server based on the service requested or to follow certain guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also have the ability to benefit from their position prior to web servers by offering the capability to store data. Large static assets can be configured by caching rules so that they avoid Web servers from getting hit with every request. Certain software solutions let you upload static files directly, and without having to connect with the server. Additionally, the reverse proxy could manage the compression of these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server also serves as an efficient reverse proxy solution. You can also use it, Apache web server has a reverse proxy, it is an additional option for Apache and Nginx was originally designed for and is focused specifically on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating the use of reverse and forward proxy Cases



Because "forward" or "reverse" have connotations of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic, these labels could be confusing because both kinds of proxy are capable of handling both requests and responses. A different method of distinguishing between reverse and forward proxy is to study the requirements of the application that you are creating.




Reverse proxy could be useful when building a solution to serve websites on the internet. They act as your web server for all interactions on the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when placed before customers for personal use, or in an organization. They represent the client's information whenever you interact on the internet.




The ability to differentiate by the use of case instead of focusing solely on standard naming conventions can assist you in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



The article explained the meaning of a proxy that has two types: forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical use cases and an analysis of the most useful attributes were used to identify the two types of proxies that are reverse and forward. If you're keen to know more about the advantages of proxies then we recommend that you go through our guide on how you can install Nginx to function as an Internet server and reverse proxy on Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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