Fear? Not If You Use Proxy Sites The Right Way!

proxy or proxy is also known as a proxy server, a software that acts in the middle between client and server via the internet. Without the use of proxy, a user could send a request for any resource directly to the server, and then the server will deliver direct access to that resource. While this is a simple method to understand and use, but the addition of proxy servers could provide advantages in terms of better performance, privacy, security, and much more. Apart from providing a layer of security, a proxy acts as a guardian for the internet between clients and servers.




The combined bundle of server hardware with an installed software proxy is also commonly referred to as a proxy server. This article we will focus on proxies traditionally classified as software, and also in relation to web server. You will get a breakdown of the two primary types of proxies. These are the forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type of proxy has its own unique usage scenario that is often not understood due to the common naming convention.




This article will provide you with an understanding of what proxies and subtypes are as well as the ways they can be beneficial in a variety of configurations. Through this guide, you'll be able to identify situations in which it is beneficial to use a proxy and then make the best alternative between forward and reverse proxy in any given situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



An forward proxy sometimes known in the form of open proxy. An open proxy acts as an agent for a user trying to send a request through the internet to an source server. In this case, every attempt to send a request by the client will instead be sent through the forward proxy. The forward proxy, in the client's stead is able to examine the request. It will first determine if the client is authorized to receive requests from this specific forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect them to the server that originated it. It's not able to direct connection to the internet. It is only able to access the information the forward proxy enables the forward proxy to connect.




A typical use of forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security while online. The forward proxy is connected to internet as a client during this process, it uses an alternate IP address for your client's IP address.




Based on the way it has been configured based on the method it was set up, a forward proxy could provide a variety of functions which allow users to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can determine limitations based on your location.




Forward proxies are also employed in systems that give central security and access through permissions, such as at work. Internet traffic can be routed by an open forward proxy, administrators can restrict access to specific people to connect on the internet, and this is then filtered by the standard firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on this layer of client, which may be used by multiple computers that have different settings and users, a firewall could be located within this forward proxy layer.




Take note that forward proxy servers require manual setup in order to allow the use of them, but reverse proxies will not be detected by the user. Based on the fact that the IP address of a client is transmitted to the original server by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity could be granted or kept secret.




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




Apache The Apache is a popular open-source web server that offers forward proxy functions.


Nginx is another well-known open-source web server that comes with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid: An free forward proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the entire web server. This is a step-by-step tutorial to setup Squid proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP and is ideal for scenarios such as 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 is an intermediary to web servers, which handles incoming requests from clients in its place. The server could function as a one server, or a number of servers. It could also comprise an application server, like Gunicorn. In any event, it's possible to receive a request from a customer through the internet at large. Most of the time the request will be directed directly to the website server hosting the information the customer is seeking. Instead, a reverse proxy serves as an intermediary that blocks your website server from communicating with the internet's public.




From a consumer's point of viewpoint, or an individual's view, interacting with reverse proxy isn't distinct from the interaction with the server by itself. It's basically the same as Web server and user isn't able to tell the difference. The client can make a request for the resource and it receive it, with no additional configuration needed from the user.




Reverse proxies grant features like:




Centralized security to web server.


Controlling traffic coming in according to rules you make.


Added functionality for caching.




Although centralized security is a benefit for both forward and reverse proxy services, reverse-proxies perform this for only the layer of web servers, but not the layer of clients. Instead of implementing firewalls at the layer of web servers which might comprise multiple servers with different configurations, most of the firewall security is centered at the layer of reverse proxy. Additionally, getting rid of the necessity of interfacing with a firewall and interacting with requests from clients without web servers allows them to concentrate on providing the needs of their customers.




In the case of multiple servers hosted by reverse proxy the reverse proxy takes care of directing the requests on which server. Multiple web servers could be offering the identical service, however each offering different kinds of resources, or some combination of both. They can utilize the HTTP protocol similarly to traditional web servers, but they can also be outfitted with application server protocols like FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy that directs users to specific servers depending on the resource they are looking for or to follow certain guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxy solutions can benefit from placing them on the top of web servers by using the caching feature. Large static files can be arranged using caching rules to avoid hitting web servers every time you request. Some applications allow you to serve static content directly without having to connect to a web server in any way. In addition the reverse proxy can be used to manage compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server can also function as a well-known reverse proxy solution. While it's true that the Apache web server comes with reverse proxy features but it's a different option for Apache and not the default option. Nginx was initially designed focus on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality, they can lead to false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic. These labels are confusing because both kinds of proxies handle requests and responses. The best way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy services is to take into account the needs of the application you're developing.




Reverse proxy is a crucial aspect when developing a solution to deliver web-based applications on the internet. They act as your web server during any interaction with the internet.




Forward proxy applications can be beneficial when it is placed in front of clients for personal use or in a workplace. They represent the traffic of your client as you interact on the internet.




The use case-based differentiation rather than focusing exclusively on common naming conventions will help you not get confused.



Conclusion



This article clarified what an "proxy" is, with the two main kinds being forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a discussion of the beneficial features was used to differentiate forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're considering how to use proxies, follow our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy to Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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