A proxy is also known as proxy server software which serves as a mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without an intermediary, a customer would make an inquiry directly to a server, and the server would serve the resource directly back for the client. Although this is a simple process to grasp and use, adding proxies provides advantages including increased performance and privacy, and many other. Alongside offering a security layer, proxies act as a guardian for the internet between users and servers.

Generally speaking, the packaged server hardware that includes proxy software is often referred in the context of proxy servers. However, this article will be focusing on the proxies that are typically referred to as software, and also when referring to web servers. We will present a summary of the two main types: one is one that is a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different use, which could be confusing due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will equip readers with the information on the different types of proxy services, their subtypes, and the ways that they can be helpful for the most common setups. In this article, you'll be in a position to recognize the scenarios where you could benefit from a proxy and choose the best option between forward and reverse proxy in any situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known as an open proxy is the representative of a customer who wants to forward requests via the internet to an the server that created it. In this situation, it's the situation that all requests received from the client will instead be sent direct into the forward proxy. Forward proxy who is acting on behalf on behalf of client take a look at the request. At first, it will determine whether the client is authorized to make requests via this specific forward proxy. It will then either deny requests or redirect them to the server that originated it. The client will not be capable of having direct access to the internet; it can only be allowed to access data that forward-proxy allows its connection to.

A popular use for forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security online. Forward proxy can access the internet using the client, and in this process, it uses another IP address, in contrast to the IP address of your client.

Depending on how it has been set up depending on how it is configured forward proxy could provide a variety of functions in addition to the ability to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
  
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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 of centralized security and access based on permissions, such as, in a workplace. In the event that all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy, an administrator can limit access to specific users on the internet using an common firewall. Instead of implementing firewalls on the client layer which could include multiple machines that have different configurations and user the firewall can be installed on the forward proxy layer.

Keep in mind that forward proxies need to be manually configured to use and reverse proxies could be ignored by the client. Based on the type of IP address the client that is transferred to the server from which it originated through forward proxy, privacy and anonymity might be granted or left transparent.

There are a myriad of options to investigate for forward proxy services:

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server, which offers forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx A renowned open-source webserver with forward proxy capability.
  
  
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  Squid is an Open Source Forward Proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire Web server software. We have instructions for setting up Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP and is better suited for certain scenarios like peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to learn how to configure Dante proxy to support private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy functions as an agent for a web server and takes care of any requests that come in from clients in its place. The web server can serve as a one server or a number of servers. It could also function as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios it is possible to receive a request from a user of the internet in general. Most of the time, the request would be directed directly to the web server which has all the resources that the user is would be looking for. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary that shields the webserver from direct contact with the open internet.

From a user an individual's point of view the procedure of using reverse proxy is not much different from working with the Web server itself. It's basically the same, but the client can't discern the distinction. Client makes the request to access an item, and it is then followed by the receipt of it with no further configuration needed on the part of the client.

Reverse proxy proxies may offer features, like:

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  Centralized security for the web server layer.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that can be establish.
  
  
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  The caching function has been added to the app.
  
  

While central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy service, reverse proxies give this benefit only to Web server layers and not to the layer that clients use. instead of the maintenance of firewalls on Web server layers that could include multiple servers with different configurations, the majority of the firewall security is aimed at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, removing the obligation of interfacing with a firewall and responding to requests from clients off of web servers allows them to concentrate on delivering resources.

In the case of multiple servers running behind a reverse proxy it is also able to control the way requests are routed to the correct server. Many web servers may be offering the same service, each serving various kinds of resources or some combination of both. These servers could use the HTTP protocol to function as a web server in the traditional sense, however, they may also use application server protocols like FastCGI. You can create a reverse proxy to route users to specific servers based on the resource requested or to adhere to specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies also benefit from their placement before web servers by virtue of caching. The large static files can be configured using caching rules in order that they don't have to communicate with web servers for every request. There are solutions that provide the option to directly serve static assets without needing to connect to a web server at all. Additionally, the reverse proxy can be used to handle compressing the assets.

The well-known Nginx webserver is a reliable reverse proxy solution. Although you can utilize the Apache web server also has a reverse proxy as an additional function of Apache as opposed to Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on the reverse proxy function.

The difference between Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use. The difference between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use

Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with directionality, and false connections to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic the labels can be confusing as both types of proxies are able to handle requests as well as respond. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to look at the requirements of the application you're creating.

A reverse proxy is a good option when you're developing a solution to serve websites on the internet. They are your web servers for any interaction on the web.

Forward proxy applications are useful when they are used in front of client traffic for your personal use or in a workplace setting. They can be used to represent your client's traffic for any internet-based interaction.

Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the similar naming conventions will aid in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

In this article, we clarified the meaning of a proxy with the two main types of them that are the forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications as well as a look at the beneficial traits were used in defining forward proxy as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in knowing more about the implementation of proxy servers take a look at our tutorial on how to set up Nginx to act as an Internet server, and reverse proxy on Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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