A proxy is can also be referred to as an application called a proxy server that serves as an intermediary between a client and server over the internet. Without the need for a proxy, a user could make a request for servers directly and servers would then serve the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple procedure to comprehend and use, the addition of proxies can result in benefits like enhanced performance and privacy, security and many more. As an additional pass-through layer proxy servers act as a gatekeeper of the internet between servers and clients.




Generally speaking, the combined combination of server hardware and installed proxy software is often called proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are generally referred to as software, as well as when referring to web servers. The article will offer details of the two types, namely which are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a different use case, often confused due to the identical namesake convention.




This article will provide an idea of the types of proxy services, what their subtypes, as well as how they can be beneficial for the common setups. If you read in this post, you'll understand the situations when it is beneficial to use the proxy service and determine the best option between forward and reverse proxy in any circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy sometimes known by the name of the open proxy serves as the representative of the client trying to make an internet-based request to the server which made it. In this situation the attempts to make requests by the user are instead sent straight through the forward proxy. In this situation the forward proxy, on behalf of the client will review the request. It will first determine whether this client is able to make requests via this specific forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect them to the server it originated from. The client isn't allowed direct access to the internet. It can access only what forward proxy allows for it to link to.




The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy services is to increase privacy or anonymity on the internet. A forward proxy utilizes the internet in lieu of an individual client, and in this way it can utilize an alternate IP address to the original IP address used by the client.




Based on the way it's configured, forward proxy may offer a variety of features and permit you to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Determine restrictions based on location.




Forward proxies may also be utilized in systems that provide central security and access based upon permissions, like in workplaces. If all internet traffic is routed through a common front proxy, the administrator is able to permit only a few clients access to the internet using an ordinary firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up on the client layer, which can involve many machines with different settings and users, it is possible to set up an firewall installed an intermediary layer.




Be aware that forward proxy servers require manual setup in order to permit them to be used while reverse proxies may be omitted by clients. Based on the type of IP address of a client is sent to the source server through the forward proxy, security and privacy can be granted or not.




There are many options to consider for forward proxy options:




Apache is an incredibly well-known open source web server that provides forward proxy features.


Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver which has forward proxy functions.


Squid: An Open Source Forward Proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. It does not come with an an entire Web server software. We have a tutorial on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante: A forward proxy that operates using the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it more suited for cases such as with peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to know how to build the Dante proxy to allow private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as a representative of a web server that handles the incoming requests of clients on its behalf. The web server could comprise an individual server or a number of servers. Additionally, it can function as an application server, like Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios, a request would be made by a user through the internet at large. In the majority of cases, this request is sent directly to the web server that hosts the information the client is seeking. Reverse proxy is a intermediary to isolate Web servers from direct contact with the public internet.




From a consumer's point the client's point of view the use of reverse proxy is not any different from working with web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same, but clients aren't able tell the distinction. Client makes request for the resource and then it receives it, without any extra configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A centralized layer of security that protects the server.


Controlling traffic that is inbound according to rules that you can set up.


New caching functionality has been added.




Although central security is a benefit for both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this feature to that layer on the webserver and not to the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at the server level, which could include multiple servers that have various configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with client requests off of web servers allows firewalls to focus on supplying resources.




In the event of multiple servers in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also takes care of directing the requests to which server. There could be multiple web servers that provide identical content, supplying various kinds of services, or a mix of both. They could use the HTTP protocol in the same way as a traditional web server. But, they may also be able to use applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can configure a reverse proxy to send visitors to specific server depending on the service they require, or to adhere to certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies benefit from being placed before web servers by providing the ability to cache data. The large static files can be set up using caching rules to prevent needing to connect with web servers on every request. Some solutions even allowing users to serve static content directly without having to connect to the web server even once. Additionally reverse proxy can manage compression of these assets.




The popular Nginx web server can also function as a reliable reverse proxy solution. While Apache is also a reverse proxy solution but it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is fitted with an reverse proxy function as an added option for Apache as opposed to Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on reverse proxy functions.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Since "forward" or "reverse" come with connotations of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing since both types of proxies manage both requests as well as responses. The best method to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy is to study the needs of the app you're creating.




Reverse proxy is a useful tool when you're creating a solution for serving web-based applications via the internet. They represent your web servers whenever you interact on the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is placed before customers for your own usage or in a professional context. They serve as a representation of the client's online traffic in any interaction on the internet.




The practice of segregating by use case instead of focussing on similar names will help in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarifies the meaning of a proxy that has two types being the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and an exploration of beneficial attributes were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you'd like to explore implementation of proxies then you should follow our tutorial on how to configure Nginx for use as an online server and reverse proxy to Apache in an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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