A proxy often referred to as a proxy server is software that acts as an intermediary between client and server on the internet. Without the use of a proxy, a user can send a request for an item directly to a server, and the server would then deliver the resource directly back to the user. Although this method is easy to comprehend and implement the addition of proxies could offer advantages in terms enhanced performance security, privacy, and many more. Alongside adding a layer of security proxy servers also act as a security safeguard for the internet between servers and clients.




There is a general consensus that the set of servers and the hardware that is used along with proxy software are also referred to proxy servers. But, this article will concentrate on proxies which are usually classified as software, and in the context of web servers. We will present a summary of the two primary types that are forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own specific usage and can be confusing because of a similar naming convention.




This article will provide you with an idea of the what proxies are and the subtypes of them, as well as how they function in normal configurations. In this article, you'll be able to recognize the circumstances where it's beneficial to utilize a proxy and decide on the appropriate choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy, in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



In another way a forward proxy, also called an open proxy acts as a representative of a user who would like to forward a request via the internet to an the server that originated it. In this case, every attempt to send requests from the client's side will be directed direct through the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in the in the place of the customer, will examine the request. The first step is to decide if the client has the right to accept requests from this particular forward proxy. Then, it decides if it wants to refuse a request or transfer it onto the original server. The client is not able to directly access the internet. It is only able to access the internet that the forward proxy permits its access.




The most common reason for using forward proxy services is to improve privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy can be used to connect to the internet in place of a client, and as such it could utilize an IP address that is different from the original IP address that the client uses.




Based on the way it was configured in the past forward proxy servers are able to offer a wide range of options. They allow you to:




Beware of ad-tracker.


Circumvent surveillance.


You will be able to identify any restrictions based upon your geographic place of residence.




Forward proxies are also employed in systems that offer central security and permission-based access, for example, in the workplace. When all traffic on the internet passes via an open forward proxy layer administrators can limit access to those clients who are and filter it through a standard firewall. Instead of having firewalls in place for the client layer which could include a variety of computers with different user and operating environments, the firewall can be placed in the forward proxy layer.




Note that the forward proxy setting need to be manually set up to function, while reverse proxy settings are disregarded by clients. Depending on the type of IP address of a client is transmitted to the source server through the forward proxy privacy and anonymity could be granted or not.




There are a variety of options to take into consideration for forward proxies




Apache is a well-known open-source webserver that includes forward proxy functions.


Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver with forward proxy features.


Squid: A no-cost forward proxy that uses an HTTP protocol. Squid isn't a complete Web server service. Check out our step-by-step guide to install Squid proxy to allow 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-to-topeer connections. You can also examine the procedure for installing the Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as a representation of web servers that handle any requests that come in from clients in its place. The web server could comprise one or more servers. Additionally, it can be a server for applications like Gunicorn. In either of these scenarios the request for an application comes from a user via the internet generally. In most cases, the request will be directed directly to the server that hosts the information that the client is asking for. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, shielding Web server from any direct interactions with the public internet.




From a consumer's point of viewpoint, or an individual's view, connecting using a reverse proxy is similar to working with an internet server direct. It's exactly the same thing, however the client is unable to discern the difference. The client requests the resource, and is then provided with it without any further configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features such as:




Secured centrally for Web Server Layer.


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


The caching functionality is now available to users.




While centralized security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature to only the server layer, and not the client layer. Instead of maintaining firewalls on servers on the internet, that can contain a variety of servers and different configurations, the bulk of the firewall security is concentrated on reverse proxy layers. Also, the removal of the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls as well as interacting with clients' requests outside of web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.




If there are multiple servers being hosted by a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy will also be responsible for directing what requests go to which server. There may be several web servers that provide similar content offering different types of resource or a mixture of both. They can use the HTTP protocol in the same way as an ordinary web server however they could also include other protocols for application servers such as FastCGI. It is also possible to set up reverse proxy servers to redirect clients to specific servers based on the resource requested or to adhere to specific rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position prior to web servers by providing caching capabilities. The large static files can be set up with caching rules to avoid hitting web servers with every request. There are even solutions that allow users to serve static files immediately without needing to connect to the web server even once. In addition reverse proxy solutions can control compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server also functions as an extremely popular reverse proxy service. Although Apache is also a reverse proxy option, Apache is a reverse proxy service. Apache web server is also equipped with a reverse proxy functionality as an additional characteristic of Apache however Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on its reverse proxy feature.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Examples



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




A reverse proxy can be helpful when building an application that runs web-based services 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 the corporate setting. They represent your clients whenever you use the internet.




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



Conclusion



The article clarified the meaning of a proxy using two kinds of proxy: the forward one and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a discussion of the most beneficial features were utilized to differentiate between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in knowing more about how to implement proxy servers, you can refer to our guide on how you can set up Nginx as a reverse and web server proxy using Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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