proxy, also known as a proxy is commonly referred to as a proxy server software that sits in the middle between server and a client on the internet. Without the use of proxy, a user could send a request for any source directly through the server, and then the server will deliver direct access to that resource. While this is a simple method to comprehend and utilize, however, the addition proxy servers can offer advantages in terms of better performance, privacy, security, and much more. Apart from providing a layer of security it also serves as a security guard for the internet between users and servers.

In general, the combined bundle of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is also often referred as proxy servers. In this article, we will examine proxies commonly categorized as software, and also in connection with web server. The article will give a detailed breakdown of the two main types of proxies: that is the forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own usage situation, and is frequently confused due to the overlap in names.

This article will give you an understanding of what proxy servers and their subtypes are, and how they can be beneficial in a variety of configurations. In this guide, you'll be able to identify situations in which it is beneficial to use a proxy and then make the best option between reverse and forward proxy for any particular situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

A forward proxy also referred to as an open proxy serves as an agent for a user trying to make a request via the internet to an source server. In this situation, any attempt to send requests made by the user will be handled by the forward proxy. Forward proxy acting in the place of the client will review the request. It will first determine if the client has been granted permission to receive requests from this particular forward proxy. Then, it'll either reject requests or redirect them to the server that originated it. It isn't able to directly connect directly to internet. It can only access what the forward proxy enables it to access.

A common use for forward proxy is the requirement for greater security or privacy when surfing the web. The forward proxy is connected to web as a user through this process, it uses an alternative IP address to the client's IP address.

Based on the way it has been configured based on the method it was set up forward proxy can provide a variety of functions that allow you to:

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  Avoid tracking ads.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  You can identify restrictions based upon your geolocation.
  
  

Forward proxies are also used in systems that provide central security and access through permissions, such as at work. All internet traffic can pass through an open forward proxy. administrators can restrict access to specific people to connect on the internet. This is blocked by the typical firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on clients, which could be used by several computers that have different types of environments and users. A firewall may be found within this forward proxy layer.

Be aware that forward proxy servers require manual setup to allow their use, however reverse proxy servers will not be detected by the user. Depending on whether your IP address the client is transmitted to the original server through forward proxy, privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept in the dark.

There are many alternatives to think about when considering forward proxies.

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server that offers forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx is another well-known open-source web server that comes with forward proxy functionality.
  
  
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  Squid: An Open Source Forward Proxy which utilizes an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the whole web server. This is a step-by-step tutorial to setup Squid proxy for secure connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it ideal for scenarios such as peer-to-peer connections. You can also look at the steps to install a Dante proxy that will allow private connections to Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is an intermediary to a web server that handles incoming requests from clients in its place. The server could function as a single server or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could contain an application server such as Gunicorn. In any case it is possible to get a request from a customer via the internet in general. Most of the time, the request would be made directly to the server hosting the data the client is asking for. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to isolate your website server from communicating with the web's public.

From a consumer's point of perspective, which is also an individual's view, interacting with reverse proxy isn't different from interacting with the server on its own. It's functionally the same as the web server, and the user is unable discern the difference. The client is able to request the resource, and receive it, without any further configuration from the user.

Reverse proxies grant features like:

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  Centralized security for web servers.
  
  
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  Directing incoming traffic according to rules you create.
  
  
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  Added functionality for caching.
  
  

While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies perform this service to servers on the internet but not the client layer. Instead of implementing firewalls at the layer of web servers, which could comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of the firewall security is centered at the layer of reverse proxy. Additionally, getting rid of the necessity of connecting to a firewall and responding to requests from clients without web servers allows them to concentrate on providing the needs of their customers.

In the event of multiple servers hosted by reverse proxy the reverse proxy takes care of directing which requests are routed on which server. There could be multiple web servers providing the exact identical service, however each providing different types of resources, or some combination of the two. They can utilize the HTTP protocol similar to traditional web servers however, they could also be equipped with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy servers to redirect users to specific servers based on the resource they are looking for, or to observe specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxy systems can benefit from placing them on the top of web servers by using the caching feature. Large static files can be arranged with caching rules in order to ensure that web servers are not hit every time you request. Some solutions even allowing you to serve static content directly, without needing to connect to the web server at all. In addition, the reverse proxy is able to manage compression of these assets.

The popular Nginx web server can also function as a popular reverse proxy service. Although it is true that the Apache web server does have reverse proxy feature, it's a different option. Apache and not the default option. Nginx was designed initially to and focused on reverse proxy functionality.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Situations

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with the perception of directionality, and misleading comparisons to "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic These labels can confuse because each type of proxy handles requests and responses. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to consider the needs of the application you're developing.

Reverse proxy is an essential feature when building a solution to deliver web-based applications to the internet. They serve as your web servers for any interaction on the internet.

Forward proxy software is beneficial when it is put in front of customers to use for personal purposes, or even in a working environment. They represent the client's activity when you use the internet.

A case-based approach to differentiation rather than focusing exclusively on the most common names will ensure that you don't be confused.

Conclusion

This article defined what is a "proxy" is with the two primary types of them being the reverse and forward proxy. Practical applications and a review of the beneficial features was used to differentiate forward proxies from reverse proxy. If you're looking for ways to set up proxies, check out our guide on how to configure Nginx as web server and reverse proxy on Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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