The phrase "proxy" refers to the fact that a proxy or proxy server. It is a software which acts as a mediator between client and server via the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users could make a request for the resource directly to a server, and then the server would provide the requested resource directly to the user. Although this approach is simple to comprehend and implement using proxy servers, it does offer benefits in terms of better performance privacy, security, and many more. As an additional layer of pass-through, a proxy acts as a security safeguard for the internet between clients and servers.

The combined mixture of the server's hardware and proxy software is generally referred to as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are typically described as software as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide details of two main types: namely a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage scenario, which is often not understood due to the identical namesake convention.

This article will provide you with the understanding of what subtypes and proxies include and the things they accomplish in common configurations. After reading this article, it will be able identify scenarios where using proxies can be advantageous and select the best option between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any particular scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy also referred to in the context of the open proxy is an agent for users who are seeking to make an internet request to a source server. In this instance, the entire process of sending requests made by the client is instead routed via this forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client will examine the request. It will first determine if the client is authorized to send requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then either refuse requests or redirect it to the server that originally made the request. The client does not have direct connection to the internet. It can access only the information that forward proxy allows it to access.

The most popular reason for using forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security when surfing the web. A forward proxy links to internet instead of the client, and in this way, it is using an IP address that is distinct from the IP address of the client.

Based on how it was created, the forward proxy can provide various functions based on the configuration that permits you to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Find restrictions based on the location you are in.
  
  

Forward proxies can also be employed in systems that offer security centrally and access based on user permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy an administrator is able to restrict access to a limited number of users accessing the internet, which is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls for the client layer, which could include multiple devices with different settings and users, the firewall could be placed at the layer that forwards proxy data.

Take note that forward proxies need to be manually configured to be used, while reverse proxies could be overlooked from the clients. Depending on the type IP address of the user, it is sent to the server from which it originated through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity could be granted or hidden.

There are a variety of options to consider in the case of forward proxy choices:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Squid is an open source forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. It's not part of the entire Web server. There is a video tutorial on how to install Squid proxy to permit private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better suited for scenarios such as peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to configure Dante proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is the agent of a web server that handles requests from users on behalf of. The web server may be a single server or a number of servers. It can also function for application servers such as Gunicorn. In any case the request will be sent via the internet, generally. In most cases, requests will then be transmitted directly to the server hosting the content that the user is looking for. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary and separates the webserver from direct interaction with the internet's open.

From the point of view of a user the experience of working with reverse proxy is no distinct from connecting to the webserver in direct contact. It's basically the same, but the client is unable to discern the distinction. The client sends an inquiry for an item, and then receives it, without further configuration required from the user.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Centralized security to web server.
  
  
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  The direction of traffic that is incoming based on rules that you can establish.
  
  
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  The caching function has been added to the app.
  
  

Although central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this benefit to only the server layer and not to the client layer. Instead of having to maintain firewalls at the web servers layer which may comprise several servers with different configurations, the majority in firewall protection is placed at the layer of reverse proxy. Additionally, removing the burden of dealing with firewalls and responding to requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to concentrate on the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers operating within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy is responsible for the direction of the requests directed to which servers. There could be several web servers providing the exact same service, but having different resources or a mixture of both. They can utilize their HTTP protocol to serve as a standard web server, but they can also be equipped with application server protocols like FastCGI. It is possible to create reverse proxy services to redirect users to specific servers according to the requested resource, or to conform to specific guidelines for the volume of traffic.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position on top of web servers by offering the ability to cache data. Large static assets can be created with caching rules to avoid from hitting web servers with each request. Some applications allow you to deliver static files directly without having to connect to the servers in any manner. Furthermore reverse proxy has the capability to compress these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a very popular reverse proxy solution. While Apache can also be regarded as a reverse proxy option however, Apache is a reverse proxy service. Apache web server comes with reverse proxy capability as an additional option to Apache however Nginx was initially developed for and focused on the reverse proxy feature.

The difference between Between Forward and Reverse Proxy Examples

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality, and false comparisons are made to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic could be confusing since both types of proxies deal with the process of responding to requests. A better approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to examine the requirements of the application you're creating.

A reverse proxy could be beneficial in the creation of a system to deliver web-based applications over the internet. They serve as your web servers when you interact on the internet.

Forward proxy can be useful when it is put in front of customers for personal use, or in a work setting. They represent the traffic of your client whenever you connect to the internet.

The use of case-based distinction instead of focusing on common naming conventions can aid in avoidance of confusion.

Conclusion

The article delineated the definition of a proxy by comparing the two primary types of proxy: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Examples of practical use as well as a discussion of most effective features were employed to distinguish between forward and reverse proxies. If you're interested in exploring the benefits for proxy servers you can read our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as an internet proxy and reverse proxy to Apache using Ubuntu 20.04. Ubuntu 20.04 server.