proxy, also known as a proxy is also known for its role as a proxy server software that sits in the middle between server and client via the internet. Without proxy servers, users would make a request any source directly through the server, and then the server would provide the requested resource directly to the user. Although this method is easy to comprehend and utilize, however, the addition proxy servers may provide benefits in terms of better performance, privacy, security, and many more. Apart from adding a layer of protection, a proxy acts as a guardian for the internet between clients and servers.

It is generally accepted that the combined package of server hardware along with installed proxy software is also commonly referred to as proxy servers. This article we'll examine proxies commonly categorized as software, and in relation to web server. We will provide a description of the two primary types of proxies: that is a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each one has its own use scenario that is often misunderstood due to the overlapping names.

This article will give you an understanding of what proxy servers and their subtypes are as well as the ways they can be useful in various configurations. In this article, you'll be able discern the scenarios where the use of proxies is advantageous, and make the right alternative between forward and reverse proxy in any given circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

A forward proxy also referred to as an open proxy is a proxy for an individual trying to send a request through the internet to a source server. In this case, every attempt to send a request by the client will be sent through an forward proxy. The forward proxy, in the place of the client is able to examine the request. It will first determine whether the client has been granted permission to accept requests from this particular forward proxy. Then, it'll either deny requests or redirect them to the original server. It isn't able to direct connection to the internet. It is only able to access the information the forward proxy permits it to access.

A typical use of forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security while surfing the web. The forward proxy is connected to the Internet as a "client" and in this way, it assigns an alternative IP address to the client's IP address.

Depending on how it has been configured according to the way it was configured forward proxy can offer a range of features that allow you to:

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  Beware of tracking ads.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You can identify limitations based on your geographic location.
  
  

Forward proxies are also used in systems that give central security as well as access permissions, for instance in the workplace. All internet traffic can pass through an open forward proxy, administrators can grant access only to specific users to the internet, and this is blocked by the typical firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on clients, which may be used by multiple computer systems with different settings and users, a firewall could be located at this forward proxy layer.

Take note that forward proxies require manual setup in order to allow the use of them, but reverse proxies will not be detected by the user. Based on the fact that the IP address of a client is transmitted to the original server through forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may be granted or hidden.

There are numerous alternatives to think about when considering forward proxies.

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  Apache is a well-known open-source webserver that provides forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy functionality.
  
  
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  Squid: A free and open source forward proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. It isn't part of the whole web server. There is a step-bystep guide to set up Squid proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP, making it better suited for cases like peer-to-peer connections. You could also examine the steps to install a Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy functions as an intermediary between a web server, handling any requests that come in from clients its place. This server can serve as a one server, or multiple servers. Additionally, it can include an application servers, like Gunicorn. In any case it is possible to receive the request of a customer via the internet in general. In most cases, the request would be made directly to the website server hosting the information the client is asking for. Instead, a reverse proxy works as an intermediary in order to block your website server from communicating with the internet's users.

From a consumer's point view that is from a user's perspective, interacting with reverse proxy isn't different from interacting with the server by itself. It's basically the same as an internet server. The client cannot tell the distinction. Clients can request the resource, and is then given it, with no additional configuration needed by the user.

Reverse proxies grant features like:

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  Security centralized on webservers.
  
  
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  Directing incoming traffic based on rules you can design.
  
  
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  A new feature for caching has been added.
  
  

Although centralized security is a benefit for both forward and reverse proxy systems, reverse proxies provide this for only the layer of web servers but not the layer of clients. instead of maintaining firewalls on the layer of web servers, which could include multiple servers that have different configurations, most of firewall security is concentrated at that layer called reverse proxy. Furthermore, removing the obligation of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to concentrate on providing the needs of their customers.

In the case of multiple servers hosted by a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also takes care of directing the requests to which server. Multiple servers may be providing the exact same service, but offering different kinds of resources, or some combination of both. They may use the HTTP protocol in the same way as traditional web servers but can be equipped with applications server protocols such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy servers to redirect clients to an individual server depending on the requested resource, or to observe certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxy solutions also profit from their placement on top of web servers through caching functionality. Large static assets can be set up using caching rules to ensure that web servers are not hit with each request. Some applications allow users to serve static content directly without connecting to a web server in any way. Furthermore the reverse proxy can be used to compress these files.

The popular Nginx web server can also function as a popular reverse proxy solution. It is certain that Apache web server does have reverse proxy features but it's a different option. Apache in contrast to Nginx was initially designed focus on reverse proxy functionality.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use - Situations

Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality, they can lead to false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. These labels are confusing because both kinds of proxies handle the flow of requests as well as responses. A better approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to consider the needs of the app you're building.

Reverse proxy is an essential element when designing a solution to deliver web-based applications on the internet. They are your web servers for any interaction on the internet.

Forward proxy applications are beneficial when it is placed in front of clients for personal use or even in a working environment. They can be used to represent the client's activity when you interact with the internet.

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

Conclusion

The article outlined what is a "proxy" is with the two most common kinds being reverse and forward proxies. Practical applications as well as a summary of beneficial features was used to differentiate forward proxies from reverse proxy. If you're looking for ways to use proxies, read our guide on how to configure Nginx as a webserver and reverse proxy to Apache on Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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