A proxy is is also known as an application called a proxy server that acts as an intermediary between client and server on the internet. Without the use of proxy servers, users could make a request for servers directly and servers would then serve requests directly for the resource requested by the client. Although this may be a straightforward process to grasp and use proxy servers can bring benefits such as enhanced performance, privacy, security, and many more. As a pass-through layer, proxies act as a gatekeeper of the internet between servers and clients.

In general, the integrated set of server hardware along with the software for proxy installation is typically referred as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are generally referred to as software, as well as being used in conjunction with web servers. The article will offer a description of the two types of proxy servers, which include a forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a different application, and is frequently confused due to the similar namesake convention.

This article will give you an understanding of types of proxy services, what their subtypes are, as well as the ways they can be helpful for setups that are common. After reading this article, you'll be able to recognize situations where it's beneficial to utilize a proxy and decide on the appropriate choice between forward proxy and reverse proxy in any circumstance.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy sometimes known in the context of an open proxy is the representative of the client trying to make an internet-based request to the server which made it. In this case, all attempts to send requests made by the user are instead routed direct via the forward proxy. In this case, the forward proxy instead of the client will examine the request. It will first determine whether the client can make requests using this specific forward proxy. Then, it can either deny requests or redirect them to the server it originated from. The client isn't capable of having directly access to internet. It can access only what the forward proxy allows it to connect to.

The primary reason for people to use forward proxies is to gain greater privacy or anonymity on the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet instead of an individual client and in this way it can make use of an alternative IP address in place of the primary IP address used by the client.

Based on the way it's setup, forward proxy may offer a range of features and allow you to:

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  Avoid tracking ads.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  Determine restrictions based on location.
  
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Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that provide centralized security and access based on permissions, such as in a workplace. If all internet traffic is routed through an open front proxy, an administrator can grant only a handful of users online access using an common firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls at the client layer that could include a variety of machines with varying settings and users you can have a firewall set up at the proxy layer that is front.

Note that forward proxies need to be set up manually to allow the use of these proxies, whereas reverse proxies can be ignored by clients. Based on the type of IP address of a client is transmitted to the origin server via forward proxy privacy and security can be granted or kept in the dark.

There are several possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxies:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server that 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 is an free forward proxy which utilizes an HTTP protocol. The option does not include the complete Web server software. Learn more from our guide on how you can install Squid proxy to enable private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante: A forward proxy that runs using the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP to make it better suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer communication. You may also want to understand how to set up the Dante proxy that allows private connections to Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as a representative of a web server that handles any requests that come in from clients on behalf. The web server could comprise an individual server or a number of servers. It could also function as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations the request will be made by a user through the internet in general. The majority of the time the request is made directly to the website server that hosts the information that the client wants. A reverse proxy serves as a middleman to separate Web servers and prevent direct contact with the web's public.

From a consumer's point viewpoint from the perspective of a client, using a reverse proxy is no the same as working with a Web server in direct contact. It's basically the same thing, however clients aren't able tell the distinction. Client makes request for the resource and it gets it without any extra configuration required by the client.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

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  A central layer of security that guards the server.
  
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  Controlling traffic coming inbound on rules you can define.
  
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  New feature added to caching.
  
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Although central security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy servers provide this feature to that layer that is on the webserver, and not to the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls on the server level that may include multiple servers that have various configurations, the majority of security for firewalls is centered on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, the elimination of the responsibility of interacting with firewalls and interacting with client requests off of web servers allows the firewall to focus on supplying resources.

In the event of multiple servers in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also takes care of directing which requests are directed to which server. There may be several web servers that provide the same content, providing different types of services or a mixture of both. These servers could be running the HTTP protocol similar to a traditional web server. But, they may also be able to use protocol for application servers like FastCGI. There is the possibility to set up reverse proxy software to redirect users to a specific server based on the service requested or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.

Reverse proxies may also benefit from their positioning before web servers by providing the ability to cache data. The large static files can be configured using caching rules to prevent needing to connect with web servers for every request, with some solutions allowing you to serve static content directly without touching the web server even once. Furthermore reverse proxy can handle the compression on these resources.

The well-known Nginx web server is also used as an effective reverse proxy solution. While Apache is also a reverse proxy option however, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server also comes fitted with an reverse proxy feature as an additional option for Apache as opposed to Nginx was initially developed for and is focused on reverse proxy features.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Situations

Due to the fact that "forward" as well as "reverse" come with connotations of directionality and false comparisons to "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing as both kinds of proxies handle requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to look at the requirements of the app you're creating.

Reverse proxy is an effective tool when you're creating a solution for serving web-based applications via the internet. They act as your web servers every time you use the internet.

Forward proxy can be useful when it is placed in front of clients for your personal use or in a professional context. They represent the client's online traffic in any interaction on the internet.

The practice of segregating by use case rather than using the same names can help in making sure that there is no confusion.

Conclusion

This article will explain the significance of a proxy, with two kinds: the forward proxy as well as the reverse. Practical application scenarios as well as the exploration of attributes that are beneficial were used to identify forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested in exploring implementation of proxies then you should learn how to set up Nginx to act as an Internet server and reverse proxy for Apache on the Ubuntu 20.04 Server.

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