A proxy is also known as a proxy server software which acts as an intermediary between client and server over the internet. Without proxy servers, users could make a request for resources directly to a server, and servers would serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this may be a straightforward procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxies can provide benefits like improved performance and privacy, security and more. As an additional pass-through layer, proxies act as a gatekeeper of the internet between servers and clients.

Generally speaking, the bundled package of server hardware with installed proxy software is often referred as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are usually regarded as software as in the context of web servers. The article will provide a description of the two primary kinds that are forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each has its own application, and is frequently confused due to the identical 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've read in this post, you'll understand the situations when it's advantageous to use the proxy service and determine the right choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy sometimes known as or an open proxy serves as the agent of the client, in making an internet request to an the server which made it. In this scenario the attempts to make requests by the user will instead be routed direct through the forward proxy. In this case the forward proxy acting in the client's stead, will review the request. It first will determine if the client can make requests using this specific forward proxy. It will then either deny requests or redirect it to the original server. The client is not allowed an internet connection directly. It can access only what the forward proxy permits the client to access.

The most common reason to use forward proxies is to increase privacy or security on the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet to replace an individual client and, in doing so it can make use of an alternative IP address that is different from the original IP address used by the client.

Depending on how it's been set up the forward proxy will offer a range of features and permit you to:

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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.
  
  

Forward proxies may also be employed in systems that offer centralized security and access based on permissions, such as in a workplace. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy layer the administrator is able to permit only a handful of users access to the internet through an ordinary firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up at the client layer which could involve a number of computers with different settings and users, you can put the firewall configured on the proxy layer that is front.

Note that forward proxies must be manually set up for the use of these proxies while reverse proxies may be ignored by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of the client is sent to the source server via the forward proxy privacy and security can be granted or left transparent.

There are many options to consider for forward proxies:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy functions.
  
  
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  Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy functionality.
  
  
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  Squid: A free and open source forward proxy that makes use of it's HTTP protocol. The option does not include an entire web server application. You can read our tutorial on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante is a forward proxy that operates on the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it more suited for cases such as with peer-to-peer traffic. You might also wish to learn how to create a Dante proxy that allows private connections to Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as a representative of a web server, handling the incoming requests of clients on behalf. This web server may include one server or several servers. Furthermore, it could be used as an app server such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios, a request would be made by a user through the internet at large. Most of the time it is transmitted directly to the web server hosting the information that the user is requesting. Instead, a reverse proxy serves as a middleman to shield Web server from direct communication with the internet's public.

From a consumer's point view from a client's perspective using reverse proxy is not any different from working with web servers in direct contact. It's basically the same thing, however the client can't discern the difference. The client requests the resource and it gets it without any further configuration required for the end user.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  A centralized layer of security that protects the server.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic coming inbound on rules you can configure.
  
  
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  New feature added to caching.
  
  

Although central security is an advantage of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy servers provide this feature to that layer of the webserver and not the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level, which could include multiple servers that have different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is concentrated on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with client requests via web servers allows the firewall to concentrate on providing resources.

In the case of multiple servers participating within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy also determines which requests are directed to which server. There may be multiple web servers offering identical content, supplying different types of services or a mix of both. They could use the HTTP protocol similar to a traditional web server. But, they may also be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure reverse proxy servers to route users to a specific server based on the service being requested or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies benefit from being placed before web servers by providing the ability to cache data. Large static assets can be set up with caching rules to avoid having to call web servers on every request, with some solutions even allowing you to serve static content directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. In addition the reverse proxy is able to manage compression on these resources.

The renowned Nginx web server is also used as a reliable reverse proxy service. However, Apache has a reverse proxy solution, the Apache web server is fitted with an reverse proxy function as an added option for Apache unlike Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on reverse proxy functions.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use-cases

Because "forward" or "reverse" come with connotations of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing since both types of proxies manage requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxies is to examine the requirements of the app you're developing.

Reverse proxy can be a valuable tool to use when developing a solution to serve applications on the web via the internet. Reverse proxy servers represent your website every time you use the web.

A forward proxy is helpful when placed in front of clients for your personal use as well as in an official environment. They are a representation of your client's traffic for any interaction on the internet.

The practice of segregating by use case, instead of focussing on similar names can help in avoidance of confusion.

Conclusion

This article will explain the significance of a proxy that has two types being the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical application scenarios as well as the exploration of attributes that are beneficial were used to distinguish forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the implementation of proxies we recommend you read our guide on how to configure Nginx to act as an Internet server and reverse proxy to Apache in Ubuntu 20.04 Server. Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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