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proxy, also referred to as proxy, also known as proxy or proxy server is a server software that sits acting as an intermediary between client and server on the internet. Without an intermediary, a user could send a request for something direct to a server, and servers would then serve the resource directly back to the client. Although this approach is simple to comprehend and implement, adding proxies provides benefits such as improved security, performance, privacy and many more. As a pass-through layer proxy is a gatekeeper for the internet between servers and clients.




Generally speaking it is the bundled set of server hardware that includes proxy software is also often described as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are usually referred to as software, as well as those used in conjunction with web servers. This article will give a synopsis of the two primary kinds that are available, which is the forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each comes with its own specific application scenario, and it is often misunderstood because of the identical terminology.




This article will provide you with an idea of the different types of proxy services and the subtypes are, as well being able to explain how they can be useful for the most common configurations. In this article, you will be able to recognize the scenarios where you could benefit from a proxy and identify the most suitable alternative between forward and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy, sometimes known as the open proxy is an agent used by users who want to make a request via the internet to the server that made the request. In this scenario it is the case that all requests made by the client would rather be sent directly towards the forward proxy. This forward proxy acting in instead of the user will look over the request. In the beginning, it will determine if the client can accept requests through this specific forward proxy. It then decides whether to reject requests or redirect it to the source server. The client doesn't have a direct connection to the internet but it is able to access what the forward proxy allows it access to.




The most popular reason to use forward proxies is to increase privacy or anonymity on the internet. A forward proxy is able to browse the internet on behalf of clients. In the process, it uses a different IP address than the IP address that was originally that the client uses.




Based on the way it was set up according to how it was set up forward proxy can offer you a range of functions and the capability to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can identify restrictions based upon your geographic location.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems that provide central security, as well as access based on permissions, such as in a workplace. In the event that all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy layer an administrator is able to restrict access to certain individuals to access the web. The web is blocked by a standard firewall. Instead of having firewalls installed on the client layer that could comprise a variety of devices that are different in terms of user and environments, a firewall could be installed on top of an forward proxy layer.




Remember that forward proxies have to be manually setup before they can be used in order to be used and reverse proxies are able to not be detected by the user. Based on the fact that the IP address of a user is passed to the server that originated it through the forward proxy Privacy and anonymity could be granted or made transparent.




There are a variety of alternatives to think about for forward proxies:




Apache A well-known, open-source web server with forward proxy capability.


Nginx: Another well-known open source server for web hosting that has forward proxy capability.


Squid: A free forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. It's not the complete web-based server. Take a look at our tutorial on how to configure Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP to ensure it is more suited to use scenarios like peer-to-peer communication. You may also want to know how to configure Dante proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as an agent for a web server, which handles incoming requests from clients on behalf. The web server can be one or more servers. Additionally, it can serve as an application server, like Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios, an application request is made by a user who is on the internet. Most of the time the request will go directly to the server that hosts the information the user is looking for. However reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to isolate Web server from any direct contact with the open internet.




From a perspective of the user that is a person's perspective, working with reverse proxy is not the same as working with Web server in direct contact. It is functionally similar to the web server, and the client is unable discern the distinction. Clients can request the resource, and is then given the resource without any additional configuration required on the part of the user.




Reverse proxies grant certain features, such as:




Secured centrally for Web Server Layer.


Directing incoming traffic by implementing rules that you establish.


Added functionality for caching.




While central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse-proxies do this feature to the web server layer and not to the client layer. instead of the maintenance of firewalls at the layer of web servers that can include multiple servers with different configurations the majority of the firewall security is aimed on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the detachment of the obligation to interface with a firewall and communicating with requests from clients via web servers allows them to focus solely on delivering the needs of their clients.




If there are more than one servers running through reverse proxy, the reverse proxy could also be responsible for the direction of which requests are routed through which server. There could be multiple web servers serving the same resource, however each one offering a different type of resource or a mix of the two. They can use an HTTP protocol to serve as a standard web server, however they could also include protocols used by applications like FastCGI. It is possible to set up a reverse proxy to redirect visitors to specific servers based on the kind of resource they're searching for, or to adhere to specific rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also utilize their position before web servers, by providing the capacity of caching. Large static assets are in a position to be set up using caching rules that prevent them from the web server from being hit on every request. There are options that offer an option to provide static files without having to connect directly to the website server. In addition, reverse proxy can manage compression of these assets.




The renowned Nginx website server a popular reverse proxy option. Even though Apache is also a reverse proxy service it is not the only one. Apache web server also comes equipped with reverse proxy features, it is a distinct option that is part of Apache however Nginx was initially designed and focused on the reverse proxy function.



The distinction between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Cases



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality as well as inaccurate comparisons to "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic, they can cause confusion since both types of proxy can manage requests and responses. Better yet, the best method to distinguish between the forward and reverse proxies would be to look at the needs of the application you're creating.




A reverse proxy could be useful when designing an application that connects web-based applications to the internet. They function as servers when you are on the internet.




Forward proxy can be helpful when placed before the client for personal use, or in a work setting. They act as your client's proxy whenever you interact on the internet.




Differentiating by case of use rather than focusing solely on similar names will ensure that you do not get confused.



Conclusion



This article clarified the definition of a proxy along with two types, namely the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and an examination of the benefits were utilized to distinguish between forward and reverse proxies. If you're looking to learn more about the implementation of proxies, you should read our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as a web server as well as reverse proxy on Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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