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A proxy also referred to the software that serves as an intermediary between a client and server via the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, users could send a request to resources directly to a server and servers would provide the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple process to grasp and use proxy servers can result in benefits like enhanced performance as well as privacy, security and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through, proxies serve as a security barrier on the internet between clients and servers.




In general, the integrated package of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is typically referred as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers which are generally referred to as software, as well as when referring to web servers. The article will offer details of the two types that are forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each has its own usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the similar namesake convention.




This article will provide an idea of the what proxy services and their subtypes are, and how they are useful for common setups. After reading in this post, you'll be able discern the scenarios where it is beneficial to use proxy services and make the best option between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy sometimes known as the open proxy serves as the agent of the client, in making an online request to the server which made it. In this situation the attempts to make requests by the user will be routed direct to the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy, instead of the client will examine the request. It will first decide if this client is able to make requests using this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either refuse requests or redirect them to the server it originated from. The client isn't allowed direct access to the internet. It has access to only what forward proxy allows the client to access.




The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy services is to improve privacy or anonymity on the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet instead of an individual client and in this way, it may make use of an alternative IP address in place of the primary IP address that is used by the client.




Depending on the method by which it's configured the forward proxy will offer a variety of features and let you:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Establish restrictions based upon the your location.




Forward proxies may also be employed in systems that offer central security and access based on permissions, for instance at work. If all traffic on the internet flows through a common forward proxy layer an administrator can grant only a handful of users access to the internet via a common firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up on the client layer, which can involve many machines that have different settings and users there is a way to put an firewall installed the front proxy layer.




Note that forward proxies require manual setup to allow their use, whereas reverse proxies can be ignored by clients. Based on the type of IP address of a user is sent to the source server through the forward proxy, privacy and security may be granted or kept in the dark.




There are several possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxies.




Apache is a well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver which has forward proxy functions.


Squid is an open source forward proxy which uses it's HTTP protocol. The option does not include the entire web server application. Learn more from our guide on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante: a forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP in order to be more to work in situations like peer-to-peer connections. You might also wish to learn how to create a Dante proxy that allows private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as a representative of a web server that handles any requests that come in from clients on behalf. The web server can comprise a server or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could be used as an application server, like Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios, a request would originate from a user on the internet in general. The majority of the time the request is made directly to the web server that hosts the information that the user is requesting. Instead, a reverse proxy serves as a middleman to isolate Web servers and prevent direct interaction with the public internet.




From a consumer's point the client's point of view the use of a reverse proxy is no anything different than working with a web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same, but clients aren't able distinguish between the two. Client makes request for the resource and it gets it, without any extra configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A central layer of security that guards the server.


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


New feature added to caching.




While central security is a benefit for both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy servers provide this feature only to the layer that is on the webserver, rather than the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level which may comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is centered upon the reverse proxy. Additionally, removing the responsibility to interact with firewalls and interfacing with client requests via web servers allows the firewall to focus on supplying the resources.




In the event of multiple servers within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy also takes care of directing the requests to the server. There may be multiple web servers that provide identical content, supplying different types of services or a mixture of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol similar to a traditional web server. However, they could also be able to use protocol for application servers like FastCGI. It is possible to configure a reverse proxy to send visitors to specific server depending on the service requested, or to adhere to specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position ahead of web servers, by offering the capability to store data. Massive static resources can be configured with caching rules to avoid having to contact web servers every time you request. Some solutions even allowing users to serve static content directly without having to connect to the web server for even one time. In addition the reverse proxy can deal with the compression on these resources.




The renowned Nginx web server can also function as a powerful reverse proxy option. Although Apache can also be a reverse proxy solution however, the Apache web server is also equipped with a reverse proxy feature as an additional option for Apache unlike Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on reverse proxy functions.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" or "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxies manage requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to look at the needs of the app you're creating.




Reverse proxy is a useful tool when you're developing a solution to serve applications on the web via the internet. They represent your web servers whenever you interact on the internet.




A forward proxy is helpful when placed in front of customers for your own usage and in professional environment. They are a representation of your client's traffic for any internet-based interaction.




The practice of segregating by use case, instead of using the same names can help in making sure that there is no 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 an examination of the beneficial attributes were used to identify forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the implementation of proxies then you should follow our tutorial on how you can configure 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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