The term "proxy" refers to the concept of a proxy or proxy server which is a server application which acts to act as an intermediary for a client and server over the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, users could send a request for resources directly to a server, then the server could then provide the resource directly back to the user. Although this method is easy to grasp and use but using proxies has benefits including improved performance and privacy, security and many more. In addition to providing a pass-through layer, the proxy functions as a security safeguard for the internet between clients and servers.

Generally speaking, the bundled combination of hardware and software for servers with installed proxy software is sometimes referred to as proxy servers. This article will concentrate on proxies typically considered to be software, and specifically in relation with web server. The article will offer details of two types that are available, including a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has a different usage scenario, which is often misunderstood due to the similar terms.

This article will provide the information on what proxies are and what their subtypes are and how they function with a range of configurations. In this guide, you'll be able to identify situations in which a proxy is beneficial, and decide on the right choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy for any situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy also called an open proxy, serves as an intermediary for a client trying to make a request via the internet to connect to a source server. In this scenario, the entire effort to send requests by the user will instead be transmitted through the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf that of the user, would examine into the request. In the beginning, it will decide if this client is able to handle requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then reject requests or redirect it to the original server. The client is not able to have an internet connection directly. It is only able to access what the forward proxy allows the client to connect.

The most common reason for using forward proxy services is to obtain more privacy or security when using the internet. Forward proxy is able to access the internet using the user and it could use a different IP address to that of the initial IP address of the client.

Based on how it's been configured in accordance with the configuration forward proxy can provide a variety of functions 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 your geolocation.
  
  

Forward proxies also are used in systems that rely on central security and permission-based access like at a workplace. If all internet traffic flows via an open forward proxy, administrators are able to grant access to only a few users to the internet, which is blocked by a common firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls for the client layer that could be used by multiple computer systems with different configurations and environment, the firewall can be installed at the proxy layer.

It is important to remember that forward proxies must be manually configured for use and reverse proxies can not be noticed by the user. Depending on the type IP address a client is sent to the server from where it originated through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity may be granted or not.

There are several options to consider forward proxy options:

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  Apache An open-source, well-known web server that provides forward proxy functions.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open source server for hosting websites with forward proxy features.
  
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. It's not the complete Web Server System. You can refer to our step-by-step guide to install Squid proxy to permit private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy which uses the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better suited for usage in situations like peer-topeer traffic. You might also want to learn how to configure the Dante proxy to connect privately in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary to web servers, which handles any requests that come in from customers on behalf of the server. This web server can serve as a one server, or multiple servers. Additionally, it can serve for application servers, such as Gunicorn. In any case the request will be made from the Internet at large. In most cases, the request will go directly to the web server, containing the information that the user is looking for. However, reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, securing the server from direct communication to the open internet.

From a user's point of view the experience of interacting with reverse proxy isn't any different than working with the server on its own. It's exactly the same but the client can't discern the difference. The client can request the resource and receive it, without any additional configuration needed on the part of the client.

Reverse proxy providers offer features such as:

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  Secured centrally for Web Server Layer.
  
  
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  The direction of traffic coming in is based upon rules you set.
  
  
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  The caching feature has been added to the app.
  
  

While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature to the web server layer, but not to the client layer. instead of the maintenance of firewalls on Web server layers which may include several servers that have different configurations, most of firewall security can be concentrated at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally eliminating the hassle of dealing with firewalls and responding to requests from clients outside of web servers lets them focus on delivering the needs of their customers.

If there are multiple servers operating as a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also takes care of directing which requests go to which server. There may be several web servers offering the same service, all offering different kinds of resources, or a mixture of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol, which is a standard web server. But, they may also be using application server protocols like FastCGI. You can set up a reverse proxy to direct users to a specific server based on the service they require, or to follow specific guidelines for traffic load.

Reverse proxies are also able to gain advantage from their position before web servers, by providing the ability to cache data. The large static files can be configured by caching rules so that they avoid Web servers from getting hit on every request. Some solutions allowing you to offer static files directly without connecting to the web server in any way. In addition, the reverse proxy could handle the compression of these assets.

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

Distinguishing Between Forward and Reverse Proxy Examples

Because "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with directionality, as well as false comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic, the labels can be confusing since both kinds of proxy can handle requests and responses. A different method of distinguishing between forward and reverse proxy is to study the specifications of the application you're creating.

Reverse proxy could be useful when building a solution to serve web-based applications via the internet. They act as your web server for all interactions on the internet.

Forward proxy is useful when it is displayed before customers for personal use, or in a corporate environment. They represent the client's information whenever you interact on the internet.

Differentiating by case of use instead of focusing on common names can aid you in making sure that there is no confusion.

Conclusion

The article explained the meaning of a proxy that has two types: reverse proxy and forward proxy. Practical examples of use along with an examination of beneficial characteristics were used to determine the two kinds of proxy which are reverse and forward. If you're looking to know more about the benefits of proxies, we recommend that you go through our guide on how to set up Nginx for use as a web server as well as reverse proxy in Apache using an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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