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A proxy is is also known as an application called a proxy server that acts as a mediator between a client and server via the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users could make a request for resources directly to a server and servers would provide direct to users. It is an easy procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxies can provide benefits like improved performance as well as privacy, security and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through, proxies are a way to secure the internet between servers and clients.




In general, the integrated set of server hardware along with installed proxy software is often referred as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers which are generally referred to as software as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide a description of the two main types that are forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has its own use case, often confused due to the identical namesake convention.




This article will give you an understanding of types of proxy services, what their subtypes are, and how they can be useful for common setups. If you read in this post, you'll to recognize situations where it's beneficial to utilize proxy services and make the right choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy also referred to in the context of the open proxy acts as the agent of the client, trying to send an internet-based request to the server which made it. In this scenario, all attempts to send requests made by the user will instead be directed straight to the forward proxy. In this situation, the forward proxy instead of the client will scrutinize the request. It will first determine whether the client can make requests using this specific forward proxy. It will then either deny requests or redirect it to the server that originally made the request. The client is not capable of having direct access to the internet. It has access to only what forward proxy allows for it to link to.




The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy services is to increase privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet to replace a client on its own, and during this manner, it may make use of an alternative IP address that is different from the original IP address of the client.




Depending on how it's been configured the forward proxy will offer a range of features and allow you to:




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Determine restrictions based on place of residence.




Forward proxies may also be employed in systems that offer centralized security and access based on permissions, such as in a workplace. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open front proxy, an administrator can grant only a small number of clients access to the internet via an common firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on the client layer, which could involve a number of computers that have different settings and users it is possible to have an firewall installed on the front proxy layer.




Note that forward proxies need to be set up manually for the use of these proxies while reverse proxies may be omitted by clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client is sent to the source server through the forward proxy, privacy and security can be granted or left transparent.




There are a number of options to consider for forward proxies.




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


Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy functionality.


Squid: A free and free forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include an entire web server application. Learn more from our guide on how you can set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante: A forward proxy that runs using the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP in order to be more suited for cases such as peer-to-peer communication. You may also want to learn how to create an Dante proxy to permit private connections on 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 behalf of. This web server may include an individual server or a number of servers. It could also serve as an app server, for instance, Gunicorn. In any of these situations a request could originate from a user on the web at large. The majority of the time, this request is sent directly to the server hosting the information that the client wants. A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to separate Web servers and prevent direct interaction with the web's public.




From the point of the client's point of view using a reverse proxy is no the same as working with a Web server in direct contact. It's basically the same thing, however the client can't discern the difference. The client requests the resource and then it receives it without any further configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A centralized layer of security to protect the server.


Controlling traffic that is inbound according to rules you can define.


New feature added to caching.




While central security is a benefit for both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy servers provide this feature only to the layer on the webserver rather than the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls on the server level which may comprise multiple servers with various configurations, the majority of firewall security is placed upon the reverse proxy. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility to interact with firewalls and interfacing with client requests via web servers allows the firewall to concentrate on providing the necessary resources.




In the event of multiple servers participating connected to a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy is responsible for directing which requests go at the server. There may be several web servers offering the same content, providing various kinds of services, or a mix of both. They could use the HTTP protocol similar to an ordinary web server. But, they may also be able to use protocol for application servers like FastCGI. You can configure reverse proxy software to redirect visitors to specific server depending on the service they require, or to adhere to certain guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxies may benefit from being placed prior to web servers through the capability of storing data. Large static assets can be set up using caching rules to prevent needing to connect with web servers on every request. Some solutions allowing you to directly serve static assets without touching the server once. Furthermore reverse proxy can manage the compression for these files.




The renowned Nginx web server is also used as a reliable reverse proxy option. Although Apache has a reverse proxy option however, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is outfitted with a reverse proxy function as an added option for Apache in contrast to Nginx was originally designed to and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.



Distinguishing Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic The labels could be confusing as both kinds 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 is an effective tool when you are designing a solution to deliver web-based applications via the internet. They represent your web servers every time you use the web.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is placed before clients for personal use or in a professional setting. They are a representation of your client's web traffic during any internet-based interaction.




The practice of separating by use case instead of focusing on the similar naming conventions will assist you in making sure that there is no confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain the significance of a proxy with two types being the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical application scenarios and an examination of the beneficial attributes were used to identify forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you'd like to explore the use of proxy servers then you should learn how to configure Nginx for use as an online server and reverse proxy for Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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