A proxy also referred to an application called a proxy server that acts as a mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without proxy servers, a user could send a request to resources directly to a server, and servers would serve requests directly for the resource requested by the client. It is an easy procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxies can bring benefits such as enhanced performance as well as privacy, security and more. As a pass-through layer proxy servers serve as a security barrier on the internet between servers and clients.




Generally speaking, the combined set of server hardware along with installed proxy software is commonly called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are generally referred to as software as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide an explanation of the two primary kinds that are forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct application, and is frequently confused because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.




This article will give you an idea of the what proxy services and their subtypes, as well as the ways they can be helpful for setups that are common. After reading in this post, you'll be able understand the situations when it is beneficial to use the proxy service and determine the best option between forward proxy and reverse proxy for any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy, also known as an open proxy acts as the client's representative trying to send an internet-based request to the server that made it. In this case the attempts to make requests from the user will instead be routed direct via the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy acting in the client's stead, will scrutinize the request. It first will determine if the client can make requests using this specific forward proxy. Then, it can either deny requests or redirect them to the server it originated from. The client isn't allowed direct access to the internet. It is only able to access what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.




The primary reason for people to use forward proxies is to improve privacy or security on the internet. Forward proxy makes use of the internet in lieu of an individual client and, in doing so, it may utilize an alternate IP address in place of the primary IP address that is used by the client.




Depending on the method by which it's setup, a forward proxy can provide a variety of functions and permit you to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Establish restrictions based upon the location.




Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that provide centralized security and access based on permissions, such as in a workplace. If all internet traffic is routed through a common forward proxy layer an administrator can grant only a handful of users online access via an ordinary firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on the client layer, which can involve many machines with varying settings and users it is possible to put a firewall set up at on the proxy layer that is front.




Note that forward proxies need to be set up manually to allow their use and reverse proxies are able to be omitted by clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client is sent to the source server via forward proxy privacy and security can be granted or kept in the dark.




There are many possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxy options:




Apache is an incredibly well-known open source web server, which provides forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver that includes forward proxy functions.


Squid is an open source forward proxy which utilizes an HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include an entire web server application. You can read our tutorial on how to install Squid proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward proxy that runs using the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP so that it is better suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer connections. You might also wish to know how to build an Dante proxy to permit private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary for the web server, taking care of incoming requests from clients on its behalf. The web server can comprise a server or multiple servers. It could also serve as an app server such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations a request could be made by a user through the internet at large. The majority of the time it is transmitted directly to the website server that hosts the information that the client wants. A reverse proxy is a intermediary to separate Web servers and prevent direct contact with the web's public.




From a consumer's point of viewpoint from the perspective of a client the use of a reverse proxy is no anything different than working with a the Web server directly. It's basically the same thing, however the client can't tell the distinction. Client requests the resource, and then it receives it without any additional configuration needed by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A centralized layer of security that guards the server.


Controlling traffic that is inbound according to rules that you can set up.


New functionality added for caching.




Central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this benefit to the layer that is on the webserver, rather than the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level, which could include multiple servers that have different configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of interacting with firewalls and interacting with client requests via web servers allows firewalls to focus on supplying the necessary resources.




In the event of multiple servers that are connected to a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also determines the requests to the server. There may be multiple web servers that provide the same content, offering different types of services or a combination of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as a traditional web server. However, they can be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy software to redirect users to a specific server based on the service requested or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies also benefit from their positioning before web servers by providing the capability to store data. Massive static resources can be configured using caching rules to prevent needing to connect with web servers on every request. There are some solutions allowing you to serve static content directly without having to connect to the web server for even one time. Furthermore reverse proxy is able to manage the compression on these resources.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as an effective reverse proxy service. Although Apache can also be a reverse proxy option but it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server also comes fitted with an reverse proxy function as an added option for Apache as opposed to Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on reverse proxy functions.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Situations



Since "forward" and "reverse" have connotations of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic The labels could be confusing since both types of proxies manage both requests as well as responses. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to study the specifications of the application you're working on.




Reverse proxy can be a valuable tool to use when designing a solution to deliver applications on the web via the internet. They act as your web servers when you connect to the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is displayed before clients for personal use and in professional context. They serve as a representation of your client's traffic for any internet-based interaction.




Separating by use case rather than using the same names can help in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain the significance of a proxy with two types: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and an exploration of beneficial attributes were used to identify forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested in learning more about the use of proxy servers then you should follow our tutorial on how to set up Nginx to act as an Internet server as well as reverse proxy to Apache on Ubuntu 20.04 Server. Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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