A proxy can also be referred to as a proxy server software which serves as a mediator between a client and server via the internet. Without proxy servers, a user could send a request to servers directly and servers would then serve requests directly for the resource requested by the client. While this is a simple procedure to comprehend and use, the addition of proxy servers could provide benefits like improved performance, privacy, security, and more. As an additional layer of pass-through they serve as a security barrier on the internet between clients and servers.




Generally speaking, the combined package of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is typically called proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are generally referred to as software as being used in conjunction with web servers. This article will give an explanation of the two types, namely which are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misunderstood because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.




This article will provide you with an idea of the what proxy services and their subtypes, as well as the ways they can be beneficial for the common setups. If you've read the article carefully, you'll be able to recognize situations where it's beneficial to utilize proxy services and make the right choice between forward and reverse proxy, in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy sometimes known as the open proxy is the client's representative trying to send an internet request to an the server which made it. In this scenario the attempts to make requests from the user will be routed directly to the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy acting instead of the client will examine the request. It first will determine if the client can make requests using this specific forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect it to the original server. The client is not capable of having direct access to the internet. It can access only what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.




The primary reason for people to make use of forward proxy servers is to gain greater privacy or anonymity on internet. Forward proxy makes use of the internet to replace a client on its own, and during this manner it could utilize an alternate IP address in place of the primary IP address of the client.




Based on the way it's configured, forward proxy may provide a variety of functions and allow you to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Establish restrictions based upon the location.




Forward proxies can also be employed in systems that offer centralized security and access based on permissions, for instance at work. If all internet traffic is routed through a common forward proxy layer, the administrator can grant only a few clients connection to internet via an common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls at the client layer which can involve many machines with varying settings and users you can set up an firewall installed on an intermediary layer.




Be aware that forward proxy servers require manual setup in order to permit their use, whereas reverse proxies can be omitted by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of a client is transmitted to the origin server via forward proxy privacy and security can be granted or not.




There are many possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxies:




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


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


Squid: An free forward proxy which utilizes an HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include the entire web server application. You can read our tutorial on how you can set up Squid proxy to enable private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante: a forward proxy that runs the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP so that it is better to work in situations like peer-to-peer communication. You may also want to learn how to create a Dante proxy to permit private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy is an agent for a web server that handles any requests that come in from clients on behalf. This web server may include one server or several servers. It could also function as an app server for instance, Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios a request could come from a user via the internet in general. Most of the time it is transmitted directly to the server that hosts the information the client is requesting. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to separate Web servers from direct contact with the public internet.




From a consumer's point of view from a client's perspective the use of reverse proxy isn't any different from working with web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same, but clients aren't able distinguish between the two. Client requests the resource, and it gets it, with no additional configuration needed from the user.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A central layer of security that protects the server.


Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you can set up.


New feature added to caching.




While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this feature to that layer on the webserver rather than the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls on the server level which may comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Also, the removal of the responsibility to interact with firewalls and interfacing with requests from clients off of web servers enables the firewall to focus on providing resources.




In the event of multiple servers that are in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for directing the requests to which server. There may be multiple web servers providing the same content, providing various kinds of services, or a mixture of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol in the same way as the traditional web server. However, they could be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to set up a reverse proxy to send visitors to specific server depending on the service requested or to follow certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also benefit from their positioning prior to web servers through the capability of storing data. Large static assets can be set up using caching rules to prevent having to call web servers every time you request. There are some solutions even allowing you to serve static content directly without touching the web server for even one time. Additionally, the reverse proxy can manage compression for these files.




The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a powerful reverse proxy service. Although Apache is also a reverse proxy option however, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is outfitted with a reverse proxy feature as an added option for Apache unlike Nginx was initially designed for and is focused on reverse proxy features.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing since both types of proxies deal with the process of responding to requests. The most effective way to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy is to study the specifications of the application you're creating.




Reverse proxy can be a valuable tool when you're designing a solution to deliver web-based applications over the internet. Reverse proxy servers represent your website every time you use the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is displayed before customers for your own usage or in a professional environment. They are a representation of your client's web traffic during any interaction on the internet.




The practice of separating by use case instead of focussing on similar naming conventions will assist you in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain the significance of a proxy that has two types being the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical application scenarios as well as the exploration of attributes that are beneficial were used to distinguish forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in exploring the use of proxy servers then you should follow our tutorial on how to set up Nginx to act as an Internet server and reverse proxy to Apache in Ubuntu 20.04 Server. Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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