The term "proxy" refers to a proxy or proxy server a server software that serves as an intermediary between a client and server on the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, users could send a request for resources directly to a server while the server will return the resource directly back for the client. While this approach is straightforward to understand and use, using proxies has benefits like improved performance, privacy, security, and many more. In addition to providing a pass-through layer, the proxy functions as a security layer for the internet between clients and servers.




Generally speaking, the bundled system of server hardware coupled with proxy software installed is also often referred too as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxies which are generally thought of to be software, and specifically in relation to web servers. This article will give an explanation of the two main types that are available, including a forward proxy and the other a reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different use case, often confused because of the similar terminology.




This article will give you the knowledge of the different types of proxies, the subtypes they are, as well as the way they work in a variety of configurations. In this guide, you'll be able to recognize the situations where it is beneficial to use a proxy and decide on the right choice between forward and reverse proxy for any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy also referred to an open proxy is a means of intermediary for clients trying to send a request over the internet to an source server. In this situation the entire process of sending requests by the user is instead transmitted through the forward proxy. Forward proxy that acts on behalf that of the user, would look at the request. At the beginning, it will decide if this client can accept requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then deny requests or redirect them to the origin server. The client is not able to have an internet connection directly. It is only able to access what the forward proxy permits it to access.




A common use case of forward proxy is to achieve greater privacy or security on the internet. Forward proxy is able to access the internet as the client, and in that process it could use a different IP address to that of the initial IP address of the client.




Depending on how it has been set up according to the method of configuration forward proxy can offer a range of features and permit you to:




Avoid tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find limitations based on your location.




Forward proxies can also be used in systems of centralized security and permission-based access like in a workplace. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy layer, administrators can allow access only to a select group of users to the internet, and this is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls on the layer of clients, which can be used by several computers that have different configurations, users and environments, a firewall may be installed at the proxy layer.




It is essential to note that forward proxies need to be manually configured for use and reverse proxies can go unnoticed by the client. Based on the type of IP address a client is transmitted to the server from which it originated through the forward proxy Privacy and anonymity may be granted or not.




There are several options to think about for forward proxy:




Apache A popular open-source, well-known web server, that can provide forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx is another well-known open-source server for hosting websites with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. It's not the complete webserver system. We have a step-by-step guide to set up Squid proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy which uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more suitable for use situations like peer-topeer traffic. You may also want to learn how to setup an Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary for web servers, which handles any requests that come in from customers on its behalf. This web server can serve as a single server or as a series of servers. It could also serve as an application server such as Gunicorn. In any case the request will be made through the internet in general. In most cases, the request will go directly to the web server and include the information the user is looking for. The reverse proxy serves as an intermediary protecting the web server from direct contact via the web's public.




From the consumer's point view the experience of interacting using reverse proxy isn't much different than using the server on its own. It's exactly the same but the client can't discern the difference. Clients can request the resource, and receive it, with no additional configuration required on the part of the client.




Reverse proxy providers offer services such as:




Centralized security for the web server layer.


Traffic coming into your site is routed according to the rules you establish.


The caching feature has been added to the app.




While centralized security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy services, reverse proxy providers this service at the layer of web servers, but not the client layer. instead of the maintenance of firewalls at Web server layers, which could comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of firewall security can be directed towards the reverse proxy layer. In addition, removing the responsibility of working with firewalls and responding to requests from clients outside of web servers permits them to concentrate on the needs of their customers.




If there are multiple servers running in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also manages which requests go to which server. There may be several web servers offering the same service, each offering different kinds of resources, or a combination of both. These servers could be running the HTTP protocol to function as a traditional web server. However, they can also be using application server protocols like FastCGI. You can configure reverse proxy settings to send users to a particular server based on the service being requested or to adhere to specific guidelines for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also be able to benefit from their positioning before web servers, by giving them the ability to cache information. The large static files can be set by caching rules so that they avoid the web server from getting hit every time a request is made. Certain software solutions let you provide static files directly by not connecting with the website server. Furthermore, the reverse proxy could be able to handle compression of these files.




The well-known Nginx web server is also an effective reverse proxy service. You can also use Nginx, the Apache web server as reverse proxy features, it is an additional option to Apache while Nginx was initially designed and is specifically focused on reverse proxy capabilities.



The distinction between the use of reverse and forward proxy The Case



Because "forward" or "reverse" are associated with directionality, and false connections with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing since both kinds of proxies can handle both requests and responses. An alternative method to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies is to examine the requirements of the application you're creating.




Reverse proxy could be beneficial when designing an infrastructure to support websites on the internet. They serve as your web servers for all interactions on the internet.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is placed in front of customers for your personal use or within the corporate setting. It is a way to protect the information of your client every time you use the internet.




Distinguishing by use case instead of focusing solely on standard names can help in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



The article explained the meaning of a proxy with two types: forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical use cases along with an examination of the most useful characteristics were used to determine the two types of proxies: forward and reverse. If you're interested to learn more about the advantages of proxies, then we suggest you read our guide on how to install Nginx for use as a web server as well as reverse proxy in Apache running on the Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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