Understanding Proxy Sites

The term "proxy" is a reference to the idea of a proxy commonly called a proxy server is software that functions to act as an intermediary for server and client via the internet. Without a proxy, a client could send a request to an item directly to a server and the server will serve direct to the requester. While this is a simple method to comprehend and implement, adding proxies offers advantages like more speed as well as security and privacy and so on. As a layer of pass-through, the proxy serves as a shield to the internet between users and servers.

It is generally accepted that the set of server hardware that is paired with the software used to install proxy is usually called proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers which are usually considered to be software but specifically with respect to servers for web. We will provide a brief overview of the two primary types of proxies, which is a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own application scenario, which is often misinterpreted due the similar terminology.

This article will give you an idea of how proxies work, what their subtypes and ways that they can prove useful in a variety of configurations. If you go through this article, you'll discover instances where using proxies can be beneficial and identify the most appropriate alternative between forward and reverse proxy for a particular scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy also known by the name of the open proxy, acts as the client's representative who is trying to send requests via the internet to an source server. In this situation, any attempt to send requests by the user will be sent via an forward proxy. This forward proxy in place of the user examines the request. Then, it will decide whether or not the client is able to send requests via this particular forward proxy. Then, it'll either reject an request and forward it to the source server. The client isn't able to establish a direct connection to the internet. It is only able to connect to what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.

The most common reason to use forward proxies is to improve privacy or security while using the internet. A forward proxy can be used to access the internet rather than clients, and in this way, it utilizes a different IP address than the original IP address of the client.

Depending on how it's been setup, and based on the way it is configured, forward proxy may provide a variety of functions, allowing users to:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  You can identify restrictions based on your geographical area.
  
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Forward proxies are also utilized to secure systems that are centralized and access based on permissions, like in a workplace. If all internet traffic flows through a common forward proxy layer, an administrator could limit access for just a small number of users to the internet that is then filtered through an common firewall. Instead of establishing filters for client layers, which could be used by multiple computers with different environments and types of users it is possible to have a firewall at the layer that forwards proxy traffic.

Be aware that forward proxies need to be configured manually for use before they can be utilized, whereas reverse proxies are able to be hidden from the view of clients. Based on whether or not the IP address of the user is relayed to an server of origin by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or not.

There are numerous alternatives to look into for forward proxies.

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  Apache An open-source, well-known web server that comes with forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy features.
  
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  Squid is a free forward proxy that works with the HTTP protocol. It's not included with the complete web server. Check out our instructions on how to configure Squid proxy to allow private connections to Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which allows it to be more suitable for use instances such as peer-to-peer connections. You may also want to learn how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts to act as a proxy for web server, which processes requests from customers on behalf of. It could represent either a single or multiple servers. Also, it could be an application server, like Gunicorn. In either case, a request would come via the internet in general. Typically, the request is sent directly to the server hosting the information that the client requires of. In contrast, a reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that isolates the web server from direct interactions with the internet's public.

From the point of view of the individual client's point of view the process of utilizing reverse proxy is not different from interacting with the server on its own. It's exactly the same however the client cannot see the distinction. Client makes a request for the resource and is then supplied with it, with no extra configuration required by the client.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  The web server is protected centrally.
  
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  Incoming traffic is directed by rules you have set.
  
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  A new feature for caching is now available.
  
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While central security is a benefit offered by both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies provide this feature to only the server layer but they do not offer this feature to clients. instead of maintaining firewalls at the server layer which could contain multiple servers with different configurations, the majority of firewall security is concentrated in the reverse proxy layer. In addition, removing the burden of interacting with firewalls and connecting to client requests off web servers allows firewalls to focus on serving the needs of their customers.

If there are multiple servers located within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy is also responsible for how requests are routed to which server. Multiple web servers could be providing the exact same service, offering different types of resource or a mix of the two. They may employ their HTTP protocol to serve as a web server in the traditional sense, however, they may also incorporate application server protocols such as FastCGI. It is also possible to set up reverse proxy servers to redirect users to specific servers depending on the requested resource or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their placement in front of web servers, by providing caching capabilities. Large static assets may be configured using caching rules to avoid hitting web servers each time you request. There are options that allow you to directly serve static files without having to connect directly to web servers in any form. Additionally, reverse proxy can manage compressing these assets.

The renowned Nginx web server also functions as a reliable reverse proxy solution. While Apache is also a reverse proxy solution it is not the only one. Apache web server is also outfitted with reverse proxy functionality that is an additional feature that is available for Apache but Nginx was originally designed to specifically focus on reverse proxy features.

The distinction in Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Cases

Because "forward" and "reverse" have connotations of directionality, and false distinctions between "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic The labels can be confusing since both types of proxies handle both requests as well as responses. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to study the requirements of the program you're creating.

Reverse proxy can be useful in the development of an application that connects web-based applications on the internet. They act as your web servers when you use the internet.

Forward proxy is beneficial when they are used in front of customers to use for personal purposes or in an office setting. They are your client's proxy when you interact with the internet.

The ability to differentiate by the use of case instead of focusing on naming conventions that are commonplace can aid in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article will explain the meaning of a proxy with two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical examples of use and a brief overview of advantageous characteristics were used to differentiate forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the use of proxy servers, you should check out our tutorial on how to configure Nginx as reverse proxy with Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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