The word "proxy" refers to a proxy or proxy server is software which functions as mediator between client and server over the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, a user could submit a request for the server directly, and then the server would provide an answer directly for the requester. While this is a simple method to understand and implement with proxies, it can provide advantages in terms of enhanced performance and privacy, security and many more. As an additional layer of pass-through, a proxy acts as a security guardian of the internet between servers and clients.

The combined combination of server hardware and proxy software is often called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically described as software, as well as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will provide an explanation of two main types: that is a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own usage situation, and is frequently misunderstood due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will provide you with the basics of what subtypes and proxies can do and how they do in the common configurations. After reading this article, it will be able identify instances where using proxies can be advantageous, and then choose the best option between reverse proxy and forward proxy depending on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known as the open proxy is an agent for the user looking to transmit an internet request to a server. In this scenario, the entire effort to send requests initiated by the client is instead routed via this forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client will examine the request. It will first determine if the client is authorized to make requests via this particular forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect it to the original server. The client is not able to have direct access to the internet. It has access to only what forward proxy enables it to connect to.

The most common reason to use forward proxy is for more privacy or security online. A forward proxy links to internet instead of the client. In this way, it is using an IP address that is different from the IP address that the user is using.

Based on how it has been set up the forward proxy will provide many functions, based upon the way it's configured and lets you:

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  Beware of ads-trackers.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Find restrictions that are based on your location.
  
  

Forward proxies may also be used in systems that provide central security and access based on permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy an administrator can restrict access only to a select group of clients to the internet. This is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls at the client layer, which could include multiple machines that have different settings and users the firewall could be installed at the layer which forwards proxy traffic.

Take note that forward proxies require manual configuration for use, and reverse proxies could be overlooked by the client. Depending on the type of IP address the user, it is sent to the server which originated it through forward proxy privacy and anonymity may be granted or kept in the dark.

There are many possibilities to consider when considering forward proxy alternatives:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server that offers forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server with forward proxy features.
  
  
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  Squid is an open source forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. It isn't part of the entire webserver system. There is a video tutorial on how you can use Squid proxy to enable private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it better suited for scenarios such as peer-to-peer connections. You can also discover how to configure Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as an agent for a web server that handles incoming requests from customers for. The web server could comprise a single server, or even multiple servers. It can also function in the role of an application server, for instance Gunicorn. In all cases, the request will come via the internet in general. In the majority of cases requests will then be transmitted straight to the webserver that hosts the resources that the user wants. A reverse proxy functions as an intermediary, detaching this webserver from direct connections with the open internet.

From the point of view of the user, the experience of working with reverse proxy is not different from interacting with the webserver in direct contact. It's basically the same, but the client is unable to recognize the difference. The client sends an order for an item and gets it, without further configuration required for the customer.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Security centralized for web servers.
  
  
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  It is the direction in which traffic coming in is determined by rules you set up.
  
  
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  The caching functionality is now available to users.
  
  

Although central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers. However, reverse proxy servers provide this advantage only to the server layer and not to the layer of clients. instead of the maintenance of firewalls that are on the web server layer which may comprise several servers with different configurations, the bulk protection of the firewall is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interacting with firewalls and dealing with requests from clients without web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their customers.

If there are multiple servers operating within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy is also responsible for the direction of the requests directed to which servers. There may be several web servers providing the exact same service, but offering different kinds of resources, or a mix of both. They may use the HTTP protocol to function as a standard web server, however they can also be equipped with application server protocols like FastCGI. You can create reverse proxy services to direct users to specific servers based on the requested resource, or to conform to certain guidelines regarding the volume of traffic.

Reverse proxies also can benefit from their positioning above web servers, by providing the ability to cache data. Massive static resources can be set up by using caching rules in order to prevent the web server from being hit with each request. Some applications allow the delivery of static files directly, without having to connect to a website server at all. Additionally reverse proxy has the capability to compress these assets.

The popular Nginx web server also functions as a well-known reverse proxy service. Even though Apache is also a reverse proxy service however, it is not a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server comes with reverse proxy feature as an extra option for Apache however Nginx was originally designed and focused on the reverse proxy feature.

Differentiating the use of forward and reverse proxy Examples

Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic could be confusing since both types of proxies deal with both responses and requests. An alternative approach to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to examine the requirements of the app you're creating.

A reverse proxy could be beneficial in the creation of a system to deliver web-based applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers when you interact on the web.

Forward proxy is useful when placed before clients to use for personal purposes, or in a workplace. Forward proxy is a representation of the traffic of your client when you interact with the internet.

The use of case-based distinction rather than using commonly used naming conventions can assist in eliminating confusion.

Conclusion

The article delineated the meaning of a proxy using two primary types of proxy: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Examples of how to use them as well as a discussion of most useful features were utilized to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy. If you're interested to learn more about the use of proxy servers, you can learn how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy for Apache on Ubuntu 20.04. Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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