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An proxy or proxy server is a program that sits as an intermediary between a client and server via the internet. Without proxy, a user would send a request for resources directly a server, and the server would serve the requested resource directly to the user. Although this method is easy to comprehend and utilize, adding proxies offers advantages such as increased performance, privacy and security, among others. As an additional layer passing through, proxies act as a security layer to the internet between servers and clients.




The bundled system of server hardware along with the software to install proxy servers is commonly called proxy servers. This article will concentrate on the proxy servers which are generally described in terms of software as and those utilized together with web servers. We will present a summary of the two primary types of proxies, those that are a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each has their own use which may be confusing due to the same terminology.




This article will provide you with an idea of the types of proxies and subtypes they are, and their utility in a variety of configurations. After reading this article, you'll understand what situations that a proxy can be advantageous, and decide on the most appropriate option for forward or reverse proxy, based on the circumstance.



Understanding Forward Proxies



Forward proxy, also known in the context of the open proxy is a proxy for a client that is trying to send an online request to an source server. In this scenario, the entire attempt to send requests from the client is instead controlled by the forward proxy. A forward-proxy, in its place as the customer will examine the request. First, it will determine whether the client has been authorized to transmit requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then deny a demand and then forward the request to an origin server. The client does not have direct access to the internet. It is able to access only the information that the forward proxy permits it access to.




A common use case of forward proxy is increased privacy or security online. Forward proxy connects to internet in place of a client. in this process it is using an alternative IP address to the client's initial IP address.




Based on how it was set up according to the way it was configured forward proxy can offer a variety of features dependent on the way it's set up, allowing you to:




Beware of ad-tracker.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find out the restrictions that apply to your location.




Forward proxies also are used in systems that use centralized security and -based access, like in workplaces. If all traffic on the internet flows through an common forward proxy, an administrator is able to limit access to a specific group of users to the internet filtered through an common firewall. Instead of having firewalls in place for the client layer that can comprise a variety of machines that have different environments and users there is the possibility to install a firewall located at the front proxy layer.




It is essential to note to remember that forward proxy servers must be set up manually for be utilized, whereas reverse proxy servers may be hidden from clients. Based on the type of IP address of the client is passed on to the server which created it through the forward proxy's privacy and security is granted or left in the dark.




There are a myriad of choices to think about for forward proxies




Apache is a well-known open-source web server offering forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy capabilities.


Squid: An open-source forward proxy which uses the HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer an entire website server software. It is possible to read our guide on how to set up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP and is better for use in situations such as peer-to-peer traffic. You can also learn how to setup a Dante proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary for web servers that handle the incoming requests of clients on behalf of. Web servers can be a single server or several servers. Additionally, it could include an application server such as Gunicorn. In any case, the request will come from users on the internet generally. Most of the time the request will be sent directly to the web server which has all the resources the client is in need of. However reverse proxy acts as an intermediary that isolates Web server from direct interaction with the open internet.




From a consumer's point of the consumer's perspective, working with reverse proxy isn't any different from using an internet server direct. It's the same thing but the user is unable to see the difference. The client asks for it, then is then granted without extra configuration that must be completed by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features such as:




A central layer of security to guard the server.


Controlling traffic that is inbound on rules that you establish.


A new feature to cache is now available.




While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this only to 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 measures for firewalls are targeted towards the reverse proxy layer. In addition, the ease of communicating with firewalls and interacting with requests from clients outside of web servers permits the firewall to concentrate on delivering the needs of their customers.




If there are several servers running in a reverse proxy it also controls which requests are directed towards which servers. Many web servers may be running on the same server and serving various kinds of services or a combination of the two. These servers utilize the HTTP protocol just like a conventional web server. However, they can be equipped with applications server protocols like FastCGI. You can configure a reverse proxy to direct the clients towards specific servers depending on the kind of resource they are seeking, or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.




Reverse proxies can also be able to gain advantage from their position before web servers, by providing caching functionality. Large static assets can to be configured with caching rules so that they do not have to contact web servers for every request. Some solutions offering an option to directly serve static files without having to contact the web server even once. Furthermore reverse proxy solutions can manage compression of these files.




The well-known Nginx web server can also function as a powerful reverse proxy solution. It is true it's true Apache webserver is fitted with an reverse proxy that is a different option to Apache however Nginx was designed originally for and focuses on reverse proxy functionality.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Examples



Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic. They can be confusing as both types of proxies process requests and response. A better approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy services is to consider the needs of the application that you're working on.




A reverse proxy is useful when you are designing a system to provide web-based services via the internet. They function as servers when you interact with the Internet.




Forward proxy applications are advantageous when put in front of a client for your personal usage as well as in an office context. They represent your clients when you connect to the internet.




The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the common naming conventions can assist you in avoiding confusion.



Conclusion



This article defined what a proxy is with two types: forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical applications and an examination of beneficial features were used to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the ways to implement proxies then you should learn how to set up Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy with Apache running the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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