proxy is also referred to as a proxy is also known for its role as a proxy server, a software that acts in the middle between server and a client via the internet. Without proxy, a user can send a request for a source directly through the server and the server would give the requested resource directly to the user. Although this method is easy to understand and use, however, the addition of proxy servers could provide advantages in terms of increased performance, privacy and security, and many more. Apart from adding a layer of protection the proxy also acts as a guardian for the internet between users and servers.




In general, the bundle of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is often referred to as proxy servers. This article we'll concentrate on proxies that are typically classified as software, and also in connection with web server. We will provide a description of the two principal kinds of proxies: that is an forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type of proxy has its own unique usage situation, and is frequently misunderstood due to the overlapping name convention.




This article will give you an understanding of what proxies and subtypes are and the ways they can be useful in a range of configurations. In this article, you'll learn to discern the scenarios where a proxy is beneficial, and then make the best choice between forward and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



An forward proxy sometimes known by the name of open proxy. An open proxy acts as an agent for a user who is trying to make a request via the internet to an source server. In this case, every attempt to send a request by the client will instead be routed through an forward proxy. Forward proxy in the place of the client, will examine the request. It will first determine whether the client has been authorized to accept requests from this particular forward proxy. It will then either deny requests or redirect it to the source server. It isn't able to directly connect directly to internet. It can only access what forward proxy allows it access to.




A typical use of forward proxy is to provide more privacy or security while using the internet. The forward proxy is connected to internet as a client through this process, it uses an alternative IP address to your client's IP address.




Based on the way it has been configured in accordance with the configuration forward proxy can provide a variety of functions, allowing you to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can identify restrictions based upon your geolocation.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems that provide central security and access via permissions, such as in a workplace. All internet traffic can pass by an open forward proxy. administrators can grant access only for specific people to connect on the internet, and this is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls on clients, which may be utilized by a variety of computers that have different environments and types of users, a firewall could be placed at this forward proxy layer.




It is important to know that forward proxies have to be manually setup for their use, however reverse proxies will not be detected by the user. Depending on whether your IP address a client is sent to the origin server through forward proxy Privacy and anonymity may be granted or hidden.




There are a variety of options to consider when considering forward proxies.




Apache: A popular open-source webserver that provides forward proxy features.


Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server that comes with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open source forward proxy which utilizes an HTTP protocol. It isn't part of the whole web server. We have a step-by-step guide to setup Squid proxy for connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP and is better suited for cases like peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to look into how to set up a Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary between web servers, which handles incoming requests from clients in its place. The server could function as a single server or as a set of servers. It could also comprise an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any event, it's possible to get an inquiry from a client via the web at large. Most of the time the request will be sent directly to the web server hosting the data the client wants. A reverse proxy works as an intermediary that blocks your server from communications with the web's public.




From a consumer's point view that is a user's viewpoint, interfacing via reverse proxy isn't any distinct from the interaction with the server in its own. It's functionally identical to an internet server. The client isn't able to tell the difference. The client is able to make a request for the resource and it is then given it, with no additional configuration needed by the user.




Reverse proxies grant features like:




Centralized security on webservers.


Directing incoming traffic by using rules that you make.


A new feature for caching has been added.




While centralized security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy systems, reverse proxies perform this for servers on the internet, but not the layer of clients. Instead of implementing firewalls on the layer of web servers which might comprise multiple servers with different configurations, most of firewall security is concentrated at that layer called reverse proxy. Additionally, getting rid of the necessity of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their clients.




If there are multiple servers hosted by reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also is responsible for directing which requests are routed to which server. Multiple web servers could be providing the exact same service, but having different resources, or some combination of the two. They can use the HTTP protocol similarly to a traditional web server but can be equipped with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can create reverse proxy that directs clients to an individual server depending on the requested resource, or to observe certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxy solutions can benefit from placing them on the top of web servers by using caching capabilities. Large static assets can be configured using caching rules to prevent hitting web servers with every request. Some applications allow users to serve static content directly without connecting to the web server at all. In addition reverse proxy has the ability to handle compression of these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server is also used as a popular reverse proxy solution. While it's certain that Apache web server does have reverse proxy function, it's a different option. Apache and not the default option. Nginx was originally designed to and focused on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use - Situations



Because "forward" and "reverse" are both associated with a sense of directionality and inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic. The labels can confuse because each type of proxy handles both requests and replies. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to consider the needs of the app you're building.




Reverse proxy is an important element when designing a solution to deliver web applications to the internet. They are your web servers in any interaction with the internet.




Forward proxy applications can be useful when they are displayed in front of clients for personal use, or even in a working environment. They are a representation of the traffic of your client when you interact with the internet.




A case-based approach to differentiation instead of focusing solely on common naming conventions will help you not become confused.



Conclusion



This article clarified what a "proxy" is, with the two primary kinds of them being reverse and forward proxies. Practical applications and a discussion of beneficial features were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're looking for ways to set up proxies, check out our guide on how to configure Nginx as web server and reverse proxy for Apache on Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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