An proxy also referred to the proxy server, is software that functions as mediator between client and server over the internet. Without proxy, a user will send a request directly to the server and it would deliver direct to users who requested the resource. While this procedure is easy to understand and implement using proxy servers, it could bring benefits in the form of enhanced performance and privacy, security and more. As an additional layer of security proxy functions as a guardian for the internet, separating servers and clients.




It is generally accepted that the bundle of server hardware that is installed with proxy software is commonly called proxy servers. In this article, we will focus on proxy servers which are usually classified as software as well as within the context of web servers. You will get a breakdown of the two main types of proxies: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each kind has its own use case, often confused due to the similar namesake convention.




This article will provide you with an idea of the different types of proxy and what their subtypes are as well as their significance in common setups. By reading the article you'll know what circumstances that a good proxy is beneficial and pick the right option between forward and reverse proxy, based on the circumstances.



Understanding Forward Proxies



A forward proxy, also known as an open proxy, also known as an open acts as an intermediary between the client who is trying to connect via the internet to a source server. In this case every request made by the user will be routed straight via forward-proxy. A forward proxy, acting in the client's stead, will review the request. It will first determine whether the client is permitted access to requests made by this specific forward proxy. It will then deny any request, or redirect it to the original server. The client has no connection to any internet. It is able to access only the web pages that the forward proxy allows it access to.




A very common applications of forward proxies is to increase privacy and security when surfing the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet as a client and in this process it can use an alternative IP address to the original IP address of the client.




Based on how it was configured, based on how it is configured, forward proxy may offer various features based upon the configuration, which allows you to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can identify restrictions based upon your geographical place of residence.




Forward proxies are also used in systems that offer central security and access based on permissions, such as in an office. All internet traffic can pass via an open forward proxy. administrators can limit access to specific users to the internet, which is protected by a common firewall. As opposed to having firewalls in place on the client layer, which can include multiple devices that have different configurations and users you can set up a firewall at the forward proxy layer.




Note that forward proxy settings must be manually set up to use however reverse proxies will be not considered from the clients. Based on the fact that an IP address belonging to a user is sent to the server where it came from by the forward proxy privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.




There are a variety of choices to be considered for forward proxy:




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


Nginx: Another well-known open-source server used for web hosting that has forward proxy features.


Squid: A free forward proxy which uses an HTTP protocol. It's not the entire web server. Read our guide on how to install Squid proxy to connect privately on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it more suitable for peer-to-peer communication. You may also want to examine how you can configure Dante proxy for connection to private networks in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy is the web server which handles all requests received from customers on its behalf. The web server may represent a single, or a number of servers. It could even be an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these cases, an application request is made through the internet. The majority of the time requests are directed directly to the web server, which will provide the information the client is requesting. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary, and separates your server from interaction with the open internet.




From the viewpoint of the user's perspective reverse proxy is a process that reverse proxy isn't different from using a Web server to communicate in direct contact. It's exactly the same, and the client cannot discern the distinction. The client makes a request for the resource, which is followed by receiving it, without any additional configurations required for the end-user.




Reverse proxy providers offer functions like:




A centralized layer of security that protects the server.


The direction of traffic coming in is based on rules you decide to define.


New functionality added for caching.




Although centralized security can be a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy, reverse proxies apply this function to the web server layer, but not the client layer. Instead of focusing on the upkeep of firewalls on the server level that could contain multiple servers with different configurations, most of the firewall security is aimed towards the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of communicating with firewalls and communicating with clients distant from web servers permits them to concentrate on delivering the requirements of their clients.




In the case of multiple servers running through a reverse proxy reverse proxy is responsible to direct which requests go to which servers. There may be several web servers that provide identical content, but providing different services or a mixture of the two. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol that is a standard web server, but they can also include other protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can also set up a reverse proxy to direct users to a specific server based on the resource requested or to adhere to specific guidelines for the amount of traffic.




Reverse proxies may benefit from their placement over web servers by giving them the capability to store information. Massive static resources can be set up with caching policies to avoid hitting web servers on every request. Some solutions providing the option to serve static content directly without having to contact servers on the internet in any manner. In addition the reverse proxy is able to help compress these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy option. Although there is similar functionality that is available in Apache web server, it does include a reverse proxy features as an additional option that is accessible for Apache whereas Nginx was initially designed to and is focused on the reverse proxy feature.



Distinguishing Forward and Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" along with "reverse" conveys the notion of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing since both types of proxy systems process requests as well as responses. The best method of separating between a forward and reverse proxy is to look at the requirements of the app that you're building.




A reverse proxy could be helpful when building an application that can serve web applications via the internet. They represent your web servers whenever you connect to the internet.




Forward proxy can be helpful when displayed in front of customers to facilitate your personal use, or even in a corporate environment. They represent the traffic of your clients when they interact with the internet.




The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on common naming conventions can aid in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



This article clarified what aproxy is with the two main kinds that are forward and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and a review of the attributes that are beneficial were used to determine forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about implementation of proxies You can read our guide on how to set up Nginx as reverse proxy and web server proxy on Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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