Proxy Sites: What A Mistake!

A proxy is is also known as the software that acts as a mediator between a client and server via the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, users could submit a request to resources directly to a server and servers would provide direct to users. While this is a simple procedure to comprehend and use, proxy servers can result in benefits like enhanced performance as well as privacy, security and more. As an additional layer of pass-through proxy servers act as a gatekeeper of the internet between servers and clients.

Generally speaking, the bundled package of server hardware with installed proxy software is commonly referred as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers that are generally referred to as software, and as when referring to web servers. The article will provide a description of the two main types, namely which are a forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each type has a different application, and is frequently confused because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.

This article will give you an idea of the types of proxy services, what their subtypes, as well as how they can be beneficial for the common setups. If you read the article carefully, you'll be able to recognize situations where it is beneficial to use the proxy service and determine the appropriate choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy, also known in the context of the open proxy is the agent of the client, trying to make an internet-based request to the server that made it. In this case the attempts to make requests from the user will be directed straight to the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy, instead of the client will scrutinize the request. It will first decide if the client can send requests through this particular forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect them to the server it originated from. The client is not capable of having direct access to the internet. It can access only what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.

The primary reason people utilize forward proxy services is to improve privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy utilizes the internet instead of a client on its own, and in this way it could use an alternative IP address that is different from the original IP address that is used by the client.

Depending on the method by which it's set up, forward proxy may provide a variety of functions and let you:

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  Avoid tracking ads.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find restrictions based on the place of residence.
  
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Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that provide centralized security and access that is based upon permissions, like at work. If all internet traffic flows through a common front proxy, an administrator can allow only a small number of clients online access through a common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls at the client layer that could include a variety of machines with varying settings and users you can set up a firewall set up at on the proxy layer that is front.

Take note that forward proxies require manual setup in order to permit their use and reverse proxies are able to be ignored by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of the client is transmitted to the origin server via forward proxy security and privacy can be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a number of possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxies:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Nginx: Another popular open-source webserver that includes forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Squid is an open source forward proxy which makes use of the HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include an entire web server application. You can read our tutorial on how you can use Squid proxy to permit private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante is a forward proxy that uses on the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP so that it is better to work in situations like with peer-to-peer traffic. You may also want to learn how to create a Dante proxy to permit private connections to Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary for a web server, handling any requests that come in from clients on behalf of. This web server may include one server or several servers. It could also function as an app server, for instance, Gunicorn. In any of these situations the request will originate from a user on the internet at large. In the majority of cases, this request is sent directly to the web server hosting the information that the client is seeking. Reverse proxy serves as a middleman to isolate Web server from direct contact with the internet's public.

From the point of view from a client's perspective the use of reverse proxy is not any different from working with web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same, but the client can't tell the distinction. The client requests the resource and then it receives it, with no additional configuration needed from the user.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  A central layer of security that guards the server.
  
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  Controlling traffic inbound based on rules you can configure.
  
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  New caching functionality has been added.
  
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Although central security is a benefit for both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the layer of the webserver rather than the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls on the server level which may comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of security for firewalls is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interacting with firewalls as well as interfacing with client requests via web servers enables the firewall to focus on providing the necessary resources.

If there are multiple servers in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also takes care of directing which requests go at which server. There may be several web servers that provide the same content, providing different types of services or a combination of both. They could use the HTTP protocol exactly the same way as an ordinary web server. However, they could also be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy servers to route visitors to a particular server based on the service being requested or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies can also benefit from their position prior to web servers through the capability of storing data. Large static assets can be set up using caching rules to prevent having to call web servers for every request. There are some solutions even allowing you to serve static files directly without having to contact the server once. Furthermore reverse proxy can manage the compression on these resources.

The renowned Nginx web server can also function as an effective reverse proxy service. Although Apache has a reverse proxy solution, the Apache web server is equipped with a reverse proxy function as an additional feature for Apache as opposed to Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on reverse proxy functions.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use-cases

Due to the fact that "forward" or "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing because both types of proxies deal with requests and responses. The most effective way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy is to study the requirements of the app you're creating.

Reverse proxy is a useful tool to use when developing a solution to serve web-based applications over the internet. They represent your web servers whenever you interact on the web.

A forward proxy is helpful when placed before clients for personal use or in a professional setting. They represent your client's web traffic during any online interaction.

The practice of separating by use case rather than focusing on the similar names can help in avoidance of confusion.

Conclusion

This article explains the meaning of a proxy with two kinds: the forward proxy as well as the reverse. Practical application scenarios and an examination of the beneficial attributes were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the use of proxy servers then you should read our guide on how to set up Nginx to act as an Internet server as well as reverse proxy to Apache in Ubuntu 20.04 Server. Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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