• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

An proxy also referred to proxy server software that functions as an intermediary between a client and server on the internet. Without the use of a proxy, a user would send a request to something directly through a server, and the server would then deliver the resource directly back to the user. Although this method is easy to understand and implement, the addition of proxies can provide advantages in terms of improved performance, privacy, security, and many more. In addition to adding a layer of security they also serve as a security guardian of the internet between clients and servers.




The general consensus is that the set of servers and the hardware that is used along with proxy software is also frequently called proxy servers. But, this article will be focusing on proxies typically classified as software and within the context of web servers. We will present a summary of the two principal kinds of proxies, which include a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own use, which can be confusing due to a similar name convention.




This article will give you an idea of the what proxies are and the subtypes of them and how they function in normal configurations. By reading the article you'll discover how to identify the scenarios in which it is beneficial to use a proxy and make the right choice between forward and reverse proxy, in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



In the same way a forward proxy, also called or an open proxy is a proxy of a user who would like to make an internet-based request to an origin server. In this scenario every request from the client's side will be sent straight through the forward proxy. This forward proxy in the instead of the user, will look into the request. The first step is to decide if the client has the right to accept requests from this specific forward proxy. Then, it decides if it wants to deny a request and transfer it onto the original server. The client is unable to directly access the internet. It only has access to what forward proxy allows its access.




The primary reason for people to use forward proxies is to increase privacy or security when surfing the internet. Forward proxy allows you to connect to the internet in instead of a client and in this manner it could use a different IP address than the original IP address used by the client.




Depending on how it's been set up in the past forward proxy servers may provide a range of choices and permit you to:




Avoid ad tracking.


Circumvent surveillance.


You will be able to identify any limitations based on your geographic location.




Forward proxies are also used in systems that provide central security and permission-based access, like in a workplace. When all traffic on the internet passes via an open forward proxy layer administrators can limit access to certain clients to the internet and filter it through a standard firewall. Instead of having firewalls in place to protect the client layer, which could comprise a variety of computers with different environments and users, the firewall could be put within the forward proxy layer.




Be aware that forward proxy settings have to be manually configured for use in order to be used in reverse proxies, whereas forward proxy settings are ignored by clients. Depending on the type of IP address of a client is sent to the origin server via the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity could be granted or not.




There are several alternatives to think about when it comes to forward proxy options:




Apache: A popular open-source web server that has forward proxy functions.


Nginx: Another well-known open-source webserver that has forward proxy features.


Squid: A free forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. It doesn't provide a complete internet server. Take a look at our step-bystep guide to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante forward proxy, which uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP this makes it more appropriate for scenarios such as peer-topeer traffic. You can also examine the procedure for installing an Dante proxy to connect privately in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as a proxy for web servers, which handles the incoming requests of clients in its place. Web servers can comprise one server or several servers. Also, it could be a server for applications like Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios an application request comes through the internet as a whole. Most of the time the request is sent directly to the web server with the information that the client is seeking. Instead, a reverse proxy serves as an intermediary shielding Web servers from direct interaction with the web's public.




From a consumer's point perspective, which is also from a user's perspective, working using a reverse proxy is similar to working with direct connections to an internet server. It's the same, but the client is unable to see the differences. The client makes a request for a resource and then receives it, with no additional configuration needed from the client.




Reverse proxies provide features such as:




Centrally secured for Web Server Layer.


Controlling traffic that is inbound, based on rules you can create.


The caching feature has been added to the app.




While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies provide this feature to only the server layer and it is not available to the client layer. Instead of maintaining firewalls on Web server layers, which could contain multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of the firewall security is concentrated on reverse proxy layers. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interacting with firewalls as well as interacting with clients' requests outside of web servers permits them to focus on meeting the requirements of their clients.




When there is a multitude of servers hosted using a reverse-proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for directing what requests go to which server. There could be multiple web servers providing similar content offering different kinds of content or a mixture of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as an ordinary web server however they could also include other protocols for applications servers, such as FastCGI. You can also configure reverse proxy to redirect clients to specific servers based upon the requested resource or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also make use of their position ahead of web servers, by providing the ability to cache. Massive static resources can be configured with caching rules to avoid from hitting web servers on every request. There are solutions even allowing the server to serve static assets directly without having to connect to the web server even once. Additionally, the reverse proxy can control compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server is also used as a very popular reverse proxy solution. Even though Apache has a reverse proxy option but the Apache web server also comes with reverse proxy feature, it is an additional attribute of Apache while Nginx was initially designed to focus on its reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use Examples



Since "forward" as well as "reverse" have a connotation of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic, the labels could be confusing, because both types of proxy deal with requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to study the requirements of the program you're creating.




Reverse proxy is useful when designing an application that runs web-based applications over the internet. They serve as your web servers for when you use the web.




Forward proxy can be beneficial when placed before clients to use for personal reasons or in an office environment. They represent your clients when you connect to the internet.




A case-based distinction instead of focusing on the common naming conventions can aid in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarified the definition of a proxy with the two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a discussion of the most beneficial features were utilized to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested in knowing more about the process of implementing proxy servers, you can refer to our guide on how you can set up Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy using Apache in the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



If you loved this write-up and you would like to acquire far more info concerning Proxy Sites (eridan.websrvcs.com) kindly go to the site.