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An proxy or proxy server is a program that sits in the middle between a client and server over the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users will send a request to resources directly a server, and the server would serve that resource to its user directly. Although this method is easy to comprehend and utilize, adding proxies offers advantages, such as greater performance, privacy, security, among others. In addition to passing through, proxies act as a safeguard to the internet between servers and users.




It is generally accepted that the package of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is often referred to as proxy servers. But, this article will concentrate on the proxy servers that are usually described in terms of software as well as those employed together with web servers. We will give a synopsis of the two main types of proxies, those that are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has their own use that can cause confusion due to the same terminology.




This article will give you an understanding of how proxies work and what their subtypes are, as well as their value in a variety of configurations. By reading this article, you'll be aware of how to identify the scenarios that a proxy can be useful, and choose the best option to use a forward or reverse proxy, based on the specific situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy, also referred to as the open proxy acts as a representative for a user who is trying to make an online request to an source server. In this situation the entire attempt to send requests from the client is instead directed by the forward-proxy. A forward-proxy, in the place of the client will scrutinize the request. The first step is to determine whether the client has been authorized to transmit requests using this particular forward proxy. It will then reject an application and send it back to its original server. The client does not have direct connection to the internet. It can access only what the forward proxy allows it to access.




One of the most common uses for forward proxy is increased privacy or security on the internet. Forward proxy connects to the internet instead of a client and during this process, it uses an alternate IP address that is different from the client's original IP address.




Based on how it has been set up according to the way it was configured, a forward proxy could offer a variety of features depending on how it is configured. This allows you to:




Avoid ad tracking.


Circumvent surveillance.


Identify restrictions based on your location.




Forward proxies are also utilized in systems of centralized security and permission -based access, like, in workplaces. When all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy layer the administrator is able to limit access to a specific set of users to the internet filtered through an common firewall. Instead of having firewalls in place for the client layer that may comprise several computers with different environments and users you can set up an firewall that is located in the front proxy layer.




It is essential to note to remember that forward proxy servers need to be manually set up to use, whereas reverse proxies may be hidden from clients. Based on the kind of IP address the client, it will be passed to the server that originated it through forward proxy privacy and security is granted or left in the dark.




There are a variety of options to be considered when it comes to forward proxy options:




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


Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy features.


Squid: An open-source forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete Web server app. We have instructions on how to configure Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP and is better suitable for applications such as peer-to-peer traffic. You can also discover how to set up an Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary for web servers that handle any requests made by clients on behalf of. The web server may consist of a single server, or several servers. In addition, it could serve as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In both cases, the request is made by users on the internet generally. Most of the time your request is transmitted directly to the web server that has all the resources the client is requires. Contrarily reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, and separates Web server from direct contact with the internet.




From a consumer's point of the consumer's perspective, working with reverse proxy is not different than interacting with an online server direct. It's pretty much the same however the user cannot discern the distinction. The client asks for this resource and it is then granted without additional configuration needed to be completed by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features such as:




A central layer of security that protects the server.


Controlling traffic coming inbound according to rules you can create.


A new feature for caching has been added.




While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies do this feature only to the server layer but not to the layer that clients use. Instead of establishing firewalls on Web server layers which can include multiple servers and various configurations, the majority of firewall security is targeted at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of communicating with firewalls and communicating with customers who aren't connected to web servers allows the firewall to concentrate on addressing the needs of their customers.




In the case of multiple servers operating within reverse proxy, it determines which requests are sent towards which servers. There are many web servers running within the exact same system, serving different kinds of resources or a combination of both. They use the HTTP protocol like a traditional web server. However, they could also be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. It is possible to configure reverse proxy settings to direct the clients to specific servers depending on the kind of resource they are searching for, or comply with certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies also have the ability to benefit from their positioning prior to web servers, through providing caching functions. Large static assets can to be configured with caching rules, so that you do not need to contact web servers for every request. Certain solutions offer the option to serve static assets directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. Additionally reverse proxy is able to manage compression of these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as a powerful reverse proxy solution. Although it is real it's true Apache webserver is also outfitted with a reverse proxy which can be used in conjunction with Apache but Nginx was initially designed to and is primarily focused on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Examples



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" have connotations of directionality, they can lead to misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. It could be confusing because both types of proxies process requests and respond. A better approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to think about the requirements of the application that you're working on.




A reverse proxy is useful in the case of developing a solution to offer web-based solutions on the internet. They function as servers when you interact with the Internet.




Forward proxy applications can be useful when they are presented to the client for personal use as well as in an office setting. They represent your customers whenever you use the internet.




Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing on standard naming conventions will assist in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article defined what a proxy is along with two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications and an exploration of useful features were utilized to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in exploring the ways to implement proxies we recommend you learn how to configure Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy with Apache on the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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