proxy is also referred to as a proxy is commonly referred to for its role as a proxy server software that acts acting as an intermediary between client and server via the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users could send a request for any source directly through the server and then the server would provide an item directly for the requester. This method is simple to understand and use, but the addition of proxy servers could provide advantages in terms of more performance, privacy, security, and many more. Alongside providing a layer of security the proxy also acts as a guardian to the internet, separating clients and servers.




In general, the combined bundle of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is also often referred to as proxy servers. This article we'll focus on proxies traditionally classified as software and within relation to web server. You will get a breakdown of the two primary types of proxies, which are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own usage scenario, which is often not understood due to the common names.




This article will give you some understanding about what proxy servers and their subtypes are as well as the ways they are useful in a variety of configurations. Through this article, you'll be able discern the scenarios where it is beneficial to use a proxy and decide on the appropriate alternative between forward and reverse proxy for any particular circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy also referred to by the name of open proxy. An open proxy serves as an agent for a user who is trying to make a request via the internet to a source server. In this case, every attempt to send a request by the client will be routed through the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting in the place of the client will review the request. It will first determine if the client has been authorized to accept requests from this specific forward proxy. Then, it'll either deny requests or redirect them to the source server. It's not able to directly connect directly to internet. It only has access to what the forward proxy enables it to access.




A common use for forward proxy is the need for greater privacy or security when online. A forward proxy can connect to Internet as a "client" and in this way, it assigns an alternative IP address to your client's IP address.




Depending on how it's been configured based on the way it was configured, forward proxy may offer a range of features that allow users to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine limitations based on your geographic location.




Forward proxies are also used in systems that provide central security as well as access permissions, like in the workplace. All internet traffic can pass via an open forward proxy, administrators can grant access only for specific individuals to access the web. This is then filtered by the standard firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on the client layer, which may be used by several computers with different environments and types of users A firewall can be located at this forward proxy layer.




Take note that forward proxy servers have to be manually setup for them to be used however reverse proxies will not be detected by the user. Based on the fact that the IP address of a user is transmitted to the original server by forward proxy Privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept secret.




There are numerous options to consider when it comes to forward proxy services.




Apache is a well-known open-source web server that offers forward proxy features.


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


Squid is an open source forward proxy that makes use of the HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the whole web server. There is a step-bystep guide for setting up Squid proxy for connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP, making it more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer connections. You can also look at the steps to install a Dante proxy that allows private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary for a web server that handles incoming requests from clients in its place. It can be used as a one server, or multiple servers. Additionally, it can comprise an application server, like Gunicorn. In any event, it's possible to receive an inquiry from a client through the internet at large. In most cases, the request would be sent directly to the web server hosting the data the client wants. A reverse proxy works as an intermediary in order to block your server from communications with the internet's public.




From the point of viewpoint, or from a user's perspective, interacting via reverse proxy isn't any distinct from the interaction with the server on its own. It's functionally the same as the web server, and the user isn't able to tell the distinction. The client can make a request for the resource and it is then provided with it, with no further configuration from the user.




Reverse proxies grant features like:




Security centralized on webservers.


Directing incoming traffic by using rules that you create.


Added functionality for caching.




Although centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy systems, reverse proxies perform this function to only the layer of web servers but not the client layer. Instead of implementing firewalls at the web servers, which could contain multiple servers with various configurations, most of the firewall security is centered on the layer of reverse proxy. In addition, the absence of interfacing with a firewall and interacting with requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to concentrate on addressing the needs of their customers.




In the event of multiple servers being hosted through reverse proxy the reverse proxy determines which requests are routed to which server. Multiple web servers could be providing the exact same service, but offering different kinds of resources, or perhaps a mix of both. They can use the HTTP protocol in the same way as traditional web servers but can be equipped with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy that directs customers to specific server based on the resource they are looking for or to follow certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxy solutions also profit from their placement on the top of web servers by using caching capabilities. Large static files can be arranged with caching rules in order to prevent hitting web servers with every request. Some applications allow the server to serve static files directly without having to connect to the web server in any way. In addition the reverse proxy can be used to manage compression of these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server also functions as a popular reverse proxy solution. Although it is certain that Apache web server comes with reverse proxy function, it's a different option for Apache and not the default option. Nginx was initially designed and focused on reverse proxy capabilities.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Since "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with a sense of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. The labels are confusing because both types of proxies manage requests and responses. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy services is to take into account the needs of the application you're developing.




Reverse proxy is a crucial element when designing an application that can deliver web applications to the internet. They act as your web server for any interaction on the internet.




Forward proxy applications can be beneficial when it is put in front of customers for personal use or even in a working environment. They represent the client's activity when you use the internet.




A case-based approach to distinction instead of focusing only on naming conventions that are commonplace will ensure that you don't be confused.



Conclusion



The article outlined what a "proxy" is, with the two primary kinds of them being reverse and forward proxies. Practical applications and a review of beneficial features was utilized to distinguish between forward proxy from reverse proxy. If you're considering how to set up proxies, follow our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as web server and reverse proxy to Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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