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A proxy, also known as a proxy, also known as a proxy server is also known as a proxy server, is software that serves as an intermediary between a client and server on the internet. Without a proxy, a client would make a request resources directly to the server and it would deliver the requested resource directly to the user. While this process is simple to comprehend and implement using proxy servers, it could bring benefits in the form of enhanced performance and privacy, security and more. As an additional layer of pass-through, a proxy acts as a security guard for the internet between servers and clients.




In general, the bundle of server hardware and proxy software is often known as a proxy server. In this article, we will focus on proxy servers, which are generally defined as software, and in the context of web servers. This article will give a detailed breakdown of the two primary types of proxies: the forward proxy as well as a reverse proxy. Each has its own application, and is frequently confused due to the similar naming convention.




This article will give you an idea of the types of proxy services and what their subtypes, as well as their significance in common setups. By reading this post, you'll understand how to identify the circumstances in which an effective proxy can be beneficial and select the best option between reverse and forward proxy, based on the circumstances.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy also called an open proxy, also known as an open serves as an intermediary for the client who is trying to transmit a request over the internet to an source server. In this case every attempt to send requests made by the user will be sent direct to the forward proxy. A forward proxy acting in the place of the client will scrutinize the request. The first step is to determine if the client is allowed be able to accept requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then deny any request or forward it to the original server. The client has no direct access to the internet. It is able to access only the information that the forward proxy allows the client access.




One of the most common applications of forward proxies is to increase privacy and security when surfing the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet as the client, and in that process, it will use an alternate IP address in addition to the client's original IP address.




Based on how it is configured based on the configuration, forward proxy may offer different features depending on how it is configured and allows you to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine restrictions based on your geographical area.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems that provide centralized security as well as access to users based on permissions, for instance at a workplace. Internet traffic can go through a forward proxy that is open. administrators can restrict access to only certain clients on the internet that is protected by a common firewall. In lieu of having firewalls installed for the client layer which could include multiple machines that have different configurations and users it is possible to install an firewall that is located in the layer that forwards proxy traffic.




Note the forward proxy setting need to be manually set up to use however reverse proxies will be disregarded in the eyes of the user. Depending on whether an IP address belonging to a user is sent to the server from where it originated via the forward proxy privacy and anonymity may be granted or hidden.




There are a myriad of choices to be considered for forward proxy options:




Apache is a well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy functions.


Nginx: Another popular open-source web hosting server that has forward proxy features.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy which uses an HTTP protocol. It's not the whole web server. Read our guide on how you can install Squid proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward proxy that makes use of the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it better suitable for peer-to-peer communication. It is also possible to examine how you can configure Dante proxy for secure connections within Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy is the web server that handles all requests received from customers on behalf of. The web server could represent a single, or a number of servers. It could additionally be an app server such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios, an application request comes from a user via the internet. In most cases the request will be sent directly to a web server, which will provide the information the user is seeking. In contrast, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that isolates your website server from communication with the open internet.




From the point of view of the individual client's point of view the procedure of using reverse proxy isn't any different than connecting to a Web server through direct contact. It's the same process however the client can't discern the distinction. The client makes a request for an item, and it is followed by receiving it without the need for any extra configuration required by the user.




Reverse proxies offer functions like:




A central layer of security to guard the server.


Incoming traffic is directed based upon rules that you can decide to define.


New functionality added for caching.




While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies do this for just the layer of web servers but not to the client layer. instead of being focused on maintenance of firewalls at the layer of web servers which may contain many servers and various configurations, the majority of firewall security is targeted at the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and communicating with clients distant from web servers permits them to concentrate on delivering the requirements of their clients.




If there are multiple servers existing through reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible to direct which requests will go to which servers. There may be several web servers offering identical content, but providing different services or a combination of both. These servers may be using the HTTP protocol, which is a typical web server, however they could incorporate other protocols used by applications servers such as FastCGI. You can also configure reverse proxy settings to direct users to a particular server based on the service requested, or to follow specific guidelines for the amount of traffic.




Reverse proxies may also take advantage of their location over web servers, as they have the capability to store information. Massive static resources can be set up with caching policy to avoid hitting web servers with each request. Some solutions providing the option to serve static files directly without having to contact Web servers in any form. Furthermore, the reverse proxy can manage compressing these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as a well-known reverse proxy service. While there is an equivalent feature available within the Apache web server does have reverse proxy capabilities as an additional feature that is available for Apache whereas Nginx was initially designed to and is specifically designed for reverse proxy functions.



Distinguishing Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" in addition to "reverse" are associated with directionality, as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic The labels can be confusing because both kinds of proxy systems process requests as well as responses. Better yet, the best method of separating between a the reverse and forward proxy types is to study the specifications of the application you're creating.




Reverse proxy is helpful when building a solution for serving websites via the internet. They act as your web servers when you interact with the internet.




Forward proxy can be beneficial when they are placed in front of customers to facilitate your personal use, or even in a corporate environment. They are a representation of your customer's traffic when they interact on the internet.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the standard naming conventions could help in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarified what aproxy is with the two main kinds of proxy: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and a review of the attributes that are beneficial were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested to learn more about implementation of proxies then you should check out our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as a reverse and web server proxy on Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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