The term "proxy" is a reference to a proxy or proxy server is an application that acts acting as a mediator between server and client via the internet. Without the proxy, a user would make a request for a resource directly to the server, and it would serve the resource directly for the client. It is easy to comprehend and implement, the addition of proxies offers advantages through improved efficiency, privacy, security and more. As a pass-through layer proxy servers act as a gatekeeper on the internet between servers and clients.




The general collection of hardware used by servers and the software that is installed to make proxy connections is often described as proxy servers. But, this article will focus on proxy servers that are generally described as software as well as ones that work together with web servers. The article will offer an explanation of two types that are available, which include forward proxy and reverse proxy. forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own specific usage that can cause confusion due to the use of overlapping terms.




This article will give you an idea of the proxy types and their subtypes are and their value in the typical configurations. If you read this article, you will be able to identify situations where a reliable proxy could be advantageous, and decide on the most suitable choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy, in any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



In other words forward proxy also called or an open proxy is an agent for a user who is trying to transmit requests online to a source server. In this case, any attempt to send requests by the client is directed via this forward proxy. In this case the forward proxy, acting in the client's stead will review the request. At first it will determine if the client is authorized to send requests through this specific forward proxy. Then, it can either refuse requests or redirect them to the source server. The client is not able to have direct access to the internet; it is only able to access what the forward proxy allows the client to access.




The most popular reason to utilize forward proxies is more privacy or protection online. Forward proxy accesses the internet on behalf of the individual client. And in this way it could make use of an IP address that is different from the IP address used by the user.




Depending on how it's been set up depending on the way it's set up, forward proxy could offer a range of functions as well as the capability to:




Beware of Ad-trackers.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can identify limitations based on your location.




Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that provide central security, as well as access based on permissions, such as at work. When all internet traffic goes through a common forward proxy layer, admins can allow only a handful of clients online access which is then filtered by a common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in this layer that can be used by multiple computer with various configurations and environments the firewall can be added to this forward proxy layer.




Be aware that forward proxy servers need to be manually configured before they can be utilized while reverse proxy servers could be not noticed by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of the client has been transmitted to the origin server by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.




There are a variety of options to take into consideration for forward proxies.




Apache The Apache is a well-known open source web server that offers forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another renowned open-source webserver that comes with forward proxy capability.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer the complete Web server platform. You can check out our guide on the best way to install Squid proxy for private connections for Ubuntu 20.04. Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante forward proxy that runs on the SOCKS protocol, instead of HTTP which makes it more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer connections. You could also look into how to set up Dante proxy to allow secure connections within Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions in the capacity of an agent on a server that handles requests made by clients on its behalf. The web server could function as a one server or multiple servers. Additionally, it can include an application servers, such as Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios a request could originate from a user on the internet. In most cases, the request will be directly sent to the web server that has the information the client wants. Contrarily, a reverse proxy is a intermediary, isolating the web server from direct communication with the open internet.




From the viewpoint of the client, interacting using reverse proxy isn't any different from the interaction directly with an internet server. It's exactly the same, but the client can't discern the distinction. The client makes a request for a resource and then receives it, without any further configuration required for the customer.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Centralized security on webservers.


The direction of traffic coming in is by rules you can establish.


Additional features for caching.




Although central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxies, reverse proxies provide this benefit to the layer on the webserver and not to the client layer. Instead of focusing on the maintenance of firewalls on the server level which could comprise several servers with various configurations, the bulk of firewall security is concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the burden of dealing with firewalls and coordinating requests from clients off web servers enables the firewall to focus on providing services.




In the case of multiple servers running behind a reverse proxy the reverse proxy may also be responsible for directing which requests are directed to which servers. Multiple web servers might be operating from the same host, each serving different kinds of services or a mix of both. The servers employ the HTTP protocol to function as an ordinary web server. They can also be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy that directs clients to specific servers based on the requested resource or to follow specific rules for the load of traffic.




Reverse proxies are also able to benefit from their position ahead of web servers by using caching functions. Massive static resources can be set up with caching policy to prevent hitting web servers every request, with some options that let you serve static content without having to connect to a web server in any way. Furthermore, the reverse proxy can be capable of compressing these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as an effective reverse proxy service. Although Apache is a reverse proxy service however, it is not the only one. Apache web server also includes reverse proxy functionality, it is a different option to Apache however Nginx was initially designed for and specifically focuses on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Cases



Since "forward" or "reverse" are associated with a sense of directionality, and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic the labels can be confusing as both types of proxies can handle requests as well as responses. In addition, the most effective method to differentiate between both forward and reverse proxy services is to think about the requirements of the app that you're developing.




Reverse proxy is useful when you are creating an option to host web-based applications via the internet. They act as your web server for any interaction on the Internet.




A forward proxy is helpful when it is used before customers for your own usage, or even in a corporate setting. They are your client's representative in any interactions on the internet.




Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on common naming conventions will help you in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article describes what is a "proxy" is and the two main types being the reverse proxy and forward proxy. Practical scenarios for use as well as an examination of the useful features were used to distinguish different types of proxy that are reverse and forward. If you're interested exploring how to set up proxies, read our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as reverse and web server proxy for Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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