The word "proxy" is a reference to proxy servers. A proxy or proxy server. A proxy server is an application which acts as a mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, users 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 proxy servers, it does offer advantages in terms of improved performance and privacy, security and much more. As an additional layer of pass-through, a proxy acts as a security safeguard for the internet between servers and clients.

In general, the combination of server hardware and proxy software is commonly called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxies that are traditionally described as software, as well as being used in conjunction with web servers. This article will give details of two main kinds: forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each kind of proxy has its own situation, and is frequently misunderstood due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will provide you with the understanding of what subtypes and proxies include and the things they accomplish in typical configurations. After reading this article, you'll be able identify instances where the use of proxies is advantageous and select the best option between reverse proxy and forward proxy in any given situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy sometimes known in the context of open proxy. An open proxy is a proxy for the user looking to transmit an internet request to a server. In this instance, the entire process of sending requests initiated by the client is routed through the forward proxy. The forward proxy, acting on behalf of the client, will review the request. It first decides if the client is authorized to submit requests through this specific forward proxy. It then decides whether to reject requests or redirect them to the server that originally made the request. The client doesn't have a direct access to the internet. It is able to access only the information that forward proxy enables it to connect to.

The primary reason for people to use forward proxy is the need for more privacy or security when surfing the web. The forward proxy is connected to the internet, not the client and, in this way, it is using an IP address distinct from the IP address of the client.

Based on the way it was set up the forward proxy can provide a variety of functions depending on how it is configured that permits you to:

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  Beware of Ad-trackers.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Find restrictions that are based on your location.
  
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Forward proxies can also be employed in systems that offer security centrally and access based on permissions, for instance, in workplaces. If all internet traffic is routed through an open forward proxy the administrator can restrict access only to a select group of clients to the internet. This is then filtered by a standard firewall. Instead of creating firewalls for this layer of clients that can include multiple devices with different settings and users the firewall could be installed at the layer which forwards proxy traffic.

It is important to be aware of the fact that forward proxy servers require manual configuration for use, and reverse proxies can be ignored in the eyes of the user. Depending on the type of IP address the user, it is sent to the server which originated it by the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.

There are numerous alternatives to think about when considering forward proxy options:

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  Apache is a well-known open-source web server, which provides forward proxy features.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy capabilities.
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy which uses an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the full web server system. There is a video tutorial on how to set up 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 more to handle situations like peer-to-peer traffic. You can also discover how to configure Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy is an agent for a web server that handles requests from customers for. The web server could consist of a single server or even multiple servers. It can also function for application servers such as Gunicorn. In any case the request will be made via the internet in general. In most cases, the request will be sent direct to a server hosting the content that the user is looking for. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary and separates this webserver from direct interactions with the internet's open.

From the viewpoint of a user the experience of working with reverse proxy is no distinct from connecting to your webserver directly. It's essentially the same but the client is unable to be able to discern the difference. A client submits an order for an item and receives it without any extra configuration from the user.

Reverse proxy providers provide features like:

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  Centralized security to web server.
  
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  The direction of traffic incoming based on rules that you set up.
  
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  The caching function was added to the application.
  
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Although central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers. Reverse proxies offer this benefit only to the server layer, not to the client layer. Instead of maintaining firewalls that are on the layer of web servers, which could contain several servers that have different configurations, the bulk in firewall protection is placed at the layer of reverse proxy. Additionally, removing the burden of interfacing with firewalls as well as responding to requests from customers who don't have web servers allows them to concentrate on providing the needs of their customers.

If there are multiple servers operating within a reverse proxy the reverse proxy is responsible for directing which requests are directed to which servers. There could be several web servers that provide the same service, but each having different resources, or a mix of both. They may use the HTTP protocol to function as a standard web server, but they may also be equipped with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure reverse proxy servers to direct users to specific servers according to the requested resource, or adhere to specific guidelines for the amount of traffic.

Reverse proxies also benefit from their location on top of web servers by offering the capability to store information. The large static files can be created using caching rules to prevent the web server from being hit with each request. Some solutions allowing the delivery of static files directly without having to connect to a website server at all. In addition reverse proxy has the capability to handle compressing these assets.

The well-known Nginx web server is also used as an extremely popular reverse proxy solution. Although Apache can also be regarded as a reverse proxy solution, the Apache web server comes with reverse proxy capabilities as an extra option for Apache and Nginx was initially developed for and focused specifically on reverse proxy features.

The difference between the use of forward and reverse proxy Examples

Since "forward" as well as "reverse" are both associated with the notion of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic could be confusing because both kinds of proxies deal with requests and responses. A better approach to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to consider the requirements of the app that you're constructing.

A reverse proxy can be helpful in the design of a method to offer web-based services over the internet. They serve as your web servers when you are on the web.

Forward proxy can be useful when placed in front of clients for personal use or in a work setting. They represent the client's activity when you interact with the internet.

A case-based approach to distinction instead of using common naming conventions can aid in eliminating confusion.

Conclusion

In this article, we clarified the meaning of a proxy using two types of proxy of proxy: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical examples of use and a discussion of the most useful features were utilized to distinguish between forward and reverse proxies. If you're interested in learning more about the use of proxy servers, you can read our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as an internet proxy and reverse proxy to Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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