A proxy is is also known as the software that serves as an intermediary between a client and server via the internet. Without proxy servers, a user could send a request to resources directly to a server and servers would then serve requests directly for the resource requested by the client. While this is a simple procedure to understand and utilize, the addition of proxies can result in benefits like enhanced performance as well as privacy, security and many more. As a pass-through layer, proxies serve as a security barrier on the internet between servers and clients.

Generally speaking, the bundled set of server hardware along with the software for proxy installation is typically called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are typically understood as software, as well as in the context of web servers. This article will give a description of the two main types that are forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct use case, often confused because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.

This article will provide an idea of the what proxy services and their subtypes, as well as how they are helpful for setups that are common. If you’ve read this article, you’ll be able to recognize situations where it’s beneficial to utilize the proxy service and determine the appropriate choice between reverse proxy and forward proxy for any scenario.

Understanding Forward Proxies

The forward proxy also referred to as the open proxy acts as the client’s representative in making an internet-based request to the server which made it. In this scenario the attempts to make requests made by the user will instead be directed direct via the forward proxy. In this scenario the forward proxy, on behalf of the client will examine the request. It will first determine whether this client is able to send requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it can either refuse requests or redirect them to the server that originally made the request. The client isn’t capable of having directly access to internet. It can access only what the forward proxy permits for it to link to.

The most common reason to make use of forward proxy servers is to gain greater privacy or anonymity on the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet to replace an individual client and during this manner, it may make use of an alternative IP address in place of the primary IP address that is used by the client.

Depending on the method by which it’s setup the forward proxy will offer a variety of features and allow you to:

• Stay clear of tracking ads.
• Circumvent surveillance.
• Find restrictions based on the location.

Forward proxies may also be utilized 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 layer, the administrator can grant only a small number of clients connection to internet using a common firewall. Instead of maintaining firewalls on the client layer, that could include a variety of machines that have different settings and users it is possible to set up the firewall configured on the proxy layer that is front.

Take note that forward proxies require manual setup for them to be used and reverse proxies are able to be omitted by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of a user is transmitted to the origin server through the forward proxy, privacy and security may be granted or left transparent.

There are a number of options to consider for forward proxies:

• Apache is a well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy features.
• Nginx is another widely-used open-source webserver, which includes forward proxy functionality.
• Squid is an free forward proxy which utilizes the HTTP protocol. This option doesn’t include an entire website server program. We have a tutorial on how you can install Squid proxy to enable private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.
• Dante: A forward proxy that runs on the SOCKS protocol in place of HTTP so that it is more suited for cases such as peer-to-peer connections. You might also wish to understand how to set up the Dante proxy that allows private connections to Ubuntu 20.04

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary for a web server, handling incoming requests from clients on behalf. The web server can comprise one server or several servers. It could also function as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In all of these scenarios the request will be made by a user through the web at large. The majority of the time, this request is sent directly to the server that hosts the information the client wants. A reverse proxy is a intermediary to separate Web server from direct communication with the public internet.

From the point of view from a client’s perspective, using reverse proxy isn’t the same as working with a web servers in direct contact. It’s basically the same thing, however the client can’t tell the distinction. Client requests the resource, and it then gets it without any additional configuration needed by the client.

Reverse proxies provide features like:

• A centralized layer of security to protect the server.
• Controlling traffic inbound based on rules that you can set up.
• New functionality added for caching.

While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxy servers provide this benefit to the layer on the webserver and not to the client layer. Instead of coordinating firewalls at the server level, which could contain multiple servers with different configurations, the bulk of firewall security is concentrated upon the reverse proxy. Also, the removal of the responsibility to interact with firewalls and interfacing with requests from clients off of web servers enables the firewall to focus on providing the resources.

In the event of multiple servers connected to a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also is responsible for directing the requests to the server. There may be multiple web servers offering identical content, supplying different types of services or a combination of both. These servers can be using the HTTP protocol similar to an ordinary web server. However, they can also be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. It is possible to set up a reverse proxy to send visitors to a particular server based on the service being requested or to follow certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies can benefit from being placed before web servers by providing the ability to cache data. Massive static resources can be configured with caching rules in order to avoid having to call web servers on every request. Some solutions even allowing users to serve static files directly without having to contact the web server for even one time. In addition, the reverse proxy can manage the compression on these resources.

The well-known Nginx web server is also used as an effective reverse proxy service. Although Apache is also a reverse proxy solution however, the Apache web server also comes outfitted with a reverse proxy feature as an additional option for Apache unlike Nginx was initially developed for and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.

Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations

Since “forward” and “reverse” are associated with the notion of directionality and inaccurate comparisons with “incoming” as well as “outgoing” traffic, these labels can be confusing because both types of proxies manage requests and responses. The best way to distinguish between forward and reverse proxy is to study the specifications of the application you’re creating.

Reverse proxy is a useful tool when you are developing a solution to serve web-based applications via the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you interact on the internet.

A forward proxy can be helpful when it is displayed in front of clients for personal use or in a professional context. They are a representation of your client’s traffic for any online interaction.

Separating by use case rather than using the same naming conventions will assist you in avoiding confusion.

Conclusion

This article will explain the significance of a proxy with two kinds: the forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and an exploration of beneficial attributes were used to distinguish forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you’d like to explore the implementation of proxies we recommend you follow our tutorial on how to configure Nginx for use as an online server as well as reverse proxy to Apache on Ubuntu 20.04 Server. Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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