A proxy can also be referred to as the software that acts as an intermediary between client and server via the internet. Without a proxy, a user could submit a request to servers directly and servers would then serve the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple procedure to comprehend and use, proxy servers can result in benefits like enhanced performance, privacy, security, and much more. As an additional pass-through layer proxy servers act as a gatekeeper of the internet between clients and servers.




In general, the integrated combination of server hardware and installed proxy software is often referred as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxy servers which are typically understood as software, and as when referring to web servers. The article will offer an explanation of the two types, namely which are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct use case, often confused due to the identical namesake convention.




This article will give you an idea of different types of proxy services and what their subtypes are, as well as how they can be beneficial for the common setups. If you read this article, you'll discern the scenarios where it's advantageous to use proxy services and make the best option between reverse proxy and forward proxy, in any situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy sometimes known as an open proxy acts as the client's representative in making an internet-based request to the server that originated it. In this situation the attempts to make requests from the user are instead sent directly to the forward proxy. In this scenario, the forward proxy on behalf of the client will scrutinize the request. It will first decide if this client is able to make requests via this specific forward proxy. Then, it can either reject requests or redirect it to the server that originally made the request. The client isn't able to have an internet connection directly. It is only able to access what forward proxy allows the client to access.




The most common reason to make use of forward proxy servers is to increase privacy or anonymity on internet. A forward proxy uses the internet to replace an individual client, and in this way, it may make use of an alternative IP address that is different from the original IP address used by the client.




Based on the way it's setup, a forward proxy can provide a variety of functions and permit you to:




Stay clear of tracking ads.


Circumvent surveillance.


Determine restrictions based on your location.




Forward proxies may also be used in systems that provide centralized security and access that is based on permissions, such as in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through a common forward proxy layer the administrator can allow only a few clients connection to internet using an ordinary firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls on the client layer, that could include a variety of machines with different settings and users, there is a way to have the firewall configured an intermediary layer.




Be aware that forward proxy servers require manual setup for them to be used and reverse proxies are able to be omitted by clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client is sent to the source server via forward proxy privacy and security may be granted or left transparent.




There are many possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxies:




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


Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver that includes forward proxy capabilities.


Squid: A free and open source forward proxy which makes use of the HTTP protocol. It does not come with an an entire web server application. You can read our tutorial on how you can install Squid proxy to allow private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward proxy that runs on the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP so that it is more to work in situations like with peer-to-peer traffic. It is also possible to learn how to create a Dante proxy to allow private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy is an intermediary for the web server, taking care of any requests that come in from clients on its behalf. The web server can comprise one server or several servers. Furthermore, it could function as an app server such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios, a request would come from a user via the internet at large. In the majority of cases, this request is sent directly to the server that hosts the information that the user wants. Instead, a reverse proxy serves as a middleman to shield Web servers from direct contact with the internet's public.




From a consumer's point the client's point of view using a reverse proxy is no any different from working with Web server in direct contact. It's basically the same, but the client isn't able to tell the distinction. Client requests the resource, and it gets it, with no further configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A central layer of security that guards the server.


Controlling traffic that is inbound according to rules that you can set up.


New feature added to caching.




While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the layer that is on the webserver, rather than the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level which may comprise multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is placed in the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interacting with firewalls as well as interfacing with requests from clients off of web servers allows the firewall to focus on supplying the resources.




If there are multiple servers within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy is responsible for directing which requests are directed to which server. There could be multiple web servers offering identical content, supplying different kinds of services or a combination of both. They could use the HTTP protocol in the same way as a traditional web server. But, they may also be able to use application server protocols such as FastCGI. There is the possibility to set up reverse proxy software to redirect visitors to specific server depending on the service requested or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies can benefit from being placed before web servers by providing the capability of storing data. The large static files can be created with caching rules in order to avoid having to contact web servers on every request. Some solutions allowing you to directly serve static assets without having to contact the server once. In addition the reverse proxy can handle compression on these resources.




The popular Nginx web server can also function as a powerful reverse proxy solution. While Apache can also be a reverse proxy option but the Apache web server is also outfitted with a reverse proxy function as an additional feature for Apache unlike Nginx was initially developed for and focuses on reverse proxy features.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use-cases



Since "forward" and "reverse" come with connotations of directionality, as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxies manage the process of responding to requests. The best method to differentiate between forward and reverse proxies is to examine the needs of the app you're developing.




Reverse proxy is a useful tool when you are designing a solution to deliver applications on the web via the internet. They act as your web servers every time you use the web.




Forward proxy can be useful when it is displayed before clients for personal use as well as in an official environment. They are a representation of your client's web traffic during any interaction on the internet.




The practice of segregating by use case instead of focussing on similar names will help in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain the significance of a proxy, with two types being the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and an examination of the beneficial attributes were used to determine forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you're interested in learning more about the implementation of proxies we recommend you read our guide on how you can configure Nginx to act as an Internet server and reverse proxy to Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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