Ten Secret Things you Didn't Know about Proxy Sites

A proxy or proxy server is a program which acts as an intermediary between client and server via the internet. Without a proxy, a client could send a request for the resource directly to the server, and then the server will serve that resource to its user directly. This method is simple to grasp and use but the addition of proxies can provide advantages in the form of more performance, privacy and security, and much more. As an additional layer passing through, proxies act as a guardian for the internet, separating servers and clients.

The bundled system of server hardware along with the software to install proxy servers is usually called proxy servers. But, this article will focus on proxy servers which are generally described as software as and those used to complement web servers. We will present a summary of the two major types of proxies: the forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has their own use, which can be confusing because of a similar language.

This article will provide you with an idea of the how proxies work and what their subtypes are, and their utility in a variety of configurations. Through this article, you'll know how to identify the scenarios in which a proxy is beneficial, and determine the most appropriate option for forward proxy or reverse proxy based on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy also known in the context of the open proxy acts as a representative for a client that is trying to connect online to a server. In this scenario, the entire attempt to send requests from the client will be controlled by the forward proxy. The forward proxy, in the place of the client, will review the request. The first step is to verify if the client has been authorized to transmit requests using this particular forward proxy. It then will reject a application and send it back to its origin server. The client has no direct connection to the internet. It can access only what the forward proxy permits the client to connect.

One of the most common uses for forward proxy is increased privacy or security online. The forward proxy can connect to the internet instead of a client and in this process it utilizes an alternate IP address from that of the client's original IP address.

Based on the way it was set up in accordance with the configuration, forward proxy may provide a variety of functions dependent on the way it's configured. This allows you to:

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  Do not be a victim of ad tracking.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find out the restrictions that apply to your location.
  
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Forward proxies also are used in systems that rely on central security and permission based access, for instance at workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open forward proxy layer, the administrator can limit access for only a select group of users to the internet filtered by a common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place for the client layer that may comprise several machines that have diverse environments and users, there is the possibility to install an firewall that is located in the front proxy layer.

It is essential to note the fact that forward proxy servers need to be manually set up to be used, while reverse proxies are often not noticed by clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client, it will be passed to the server that created it through forward proxy privacy and security may be granted or kept secret.

There are many alternatives to consider for forward proxies:

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  Apache: A popular open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy features.
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete website server software. We have instructions on how to set-up Squid proxy to allow private connections with Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP and is better suited to use in instances such as peer-to -peer traffic. It is also possible to understand how to configure the Dante proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy is an agent for a web server that handles the incoming requests of clients on behalf of. Web servers can consist of a single server, or a number of servers. In addition, it could include an application server, such as Gunicorn. In any case, the request comes from an internet user in general. The majority of the time, your request is made directly to the server, which is equipped with all the resources the client requires. In contrast reverse proxy functions as an intermediary that isolates Web server from direct contact with the open internet.

From a consumer's point of perspective, using reverse proxy isn't any different than interacting with an online server direct. It's pretty much the same, and the client cannot discern the distinction. The client requests the resource, and it then gets it without any extra configuration that must be performed by the customer.

Reverse proxies can provide features such as:

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  A centralized layer of security that protects the server.
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you can create.
  
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  A new feature for caching is now available.
  
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While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies do this to only the server layer, but not to the layer that clients use. Instead of establishing firewalls on Web server layers, which could include multiple servers and various configurations, most security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the burden of interacting with a firewall and interacting with requests from clients outside of web servers allows the firewall to concentrate on delivering the needs of their customers.

In the case of multiple servers running within a reverse proxy it also determines which requests are sent to which servers. Many web servers may be running from the same host and serving different kinds of resources or a combination of both. These servers use the HTTP protocol like a traditional web server. However, they could also be equipped with other protocols for application servers like FastCGI. It is possible to configure a reverse proxy to direct the clients towards specific servers according to the kind of resource they're searching for, or adhere to certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies also have the ability to gain advantage from their position prior to web servers, through providing caching functionality. Large static assets are able to be set up with caching rules so that they do not have to connect with web servers on every request. Some solutions offering an option to serve static assets directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. Additionally reverse proxy solutions can handle compression of these assets.

The renowned Nginx web server is also used as an effective reverse proxy solution. While it is real it's true Apache webserver is fitted with an reverse proxy that is a different option to Apache however Nginx was initially designed to and is primarily focused on reverse proxy capabilities.

Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Examples

Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, they can lead to false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic and can be confusing since both types of proxy services process requests and response. An alternative approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to take into account the requirements of the app you're creating.

A reverse proxy is useful when you're developing a solution to offer web-based services via the internet. They serve as your servers in any interactions through the Internet.

Forward proxy applications can be useful when they are presented to the user for personal use as well as in an office setting. They represent your customers when you interact with the internet.

Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on standard naming conventions will assist you to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified what a proxy is along with two types: forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and an examination of beneficial features were used to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested in learning more about the ways to implement proxies we recommend you follow our guide on how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy on Apache using one Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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