An proxy, also known as a proxy server also referred to a proxy server, is software which acts as a mediator between a client and server over the internet. Without a proxy, a client could send a request for resources directly to a server, and it would serve the requested resource directly to the user. While this process is simple to understand and implement using proxy servers, it could bring benefits in the form of increased performance and privacy, security and more. As an additional layer of security, a proxy acts as a gatekeeper to the internet between servers and clients.

In general, the bundle of server hardware that is installed with proxy software is often called proxy servers. In this article, we will concentrate on proxy servers, which are generally defined as software, and within the context of web servers. We will provide a description of the two primary types of proxies: the forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each kind has its own application, and is frequently confused due to the similar name convention.

This article will provide you with an understanding of what proxy services and their subtypes, and their importance in standard setups. Through the article you'll understand what circumstances in which an effective proxy can be beneficial, and choose the correct option between forward and reverse proxy, based on the circumstances.

Understanding Forward Proxies

A forward proxy, sometimes called an open proxy serves as an intermediary for a client that is trying to connect via the internet to an source server. In this instance, any request made by the client will instead be routed direct through forward-proxy. A forward proxy acting in the client's place, will review the request. The first step is to determine if the client is allowed be able to accept requests through this particular forward proxy. Then, it will deny any request, or send it to the server that originally received it. The client does not have direct access to the internet. It has access to only the web pages that the forward proxy allows it access to.

The most frequent applications of forward proxies is to improve privacy or security while using the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet as a client, and in the process it can use an alternative IP address to the original IP address of the client.

Based on how it was configured, based on how it is configured forward proxy could provide a range of features depending on the way it's configured, which allows you to:

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  Stay clear of tracking ads.
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
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  You will be able to identify any limitations based on your geographic area.
  
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Forward proxies are also used in systems that provide centralized security and permission-based access, like at a workplace. Internet traffic can go through a forward proxy that is open. an administrator is able to restrict access to only certain users to the internet, which is protected by an common firewall. As opposed to having firewalls for the client layer which may include multiple computers that have different configurations and users it is possible to set up a firewall at the forward proxy layer.

Be aware to note that settings for forward proxy must be manually configured for be used, however reverse proxies will be disregarded in the eyes of the user. Depending on whether an IP address belonging to the user is passed to the server from which it originated by the forward proxy, privacy and security may be granted or kept in the dark.

There are a variety of alternatives to think about when it comes to forward proxy:

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  Apache is an well-known open-source web server that provides forward proxy functions.
  
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  Nginx: Another well-known open-source web hosting server that has forward proxy features.
  
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  Squid is an open-source forward proxy that utilizes an HTTP protocol. It's not the whole web server. Check out our guide on how you can install Squid proxy to connect privately on Ubuntu 20.04.
  
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  Dante is a forward-looking proxy, which utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP to make it better suitable for peer-to-peer connections. You may also want to look at how you can configure Dante proxy to allow private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
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Understanding Reverse Proxies

Reverse proxy functions as the web server which handles the incoming requests of customers on behalf of. The web server may be a single, or multiple servers. It may additionally be an app server such as Gunicorn. In any of these situations an application request is made by a user on the internet. Most of the time the request will be directed directly to the web server with the resources the user is seeking. A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary and isolates your website server from communication with the internet's open.

From the point of view of the individual client's perspective, the process of using reverse proxy isn't different from connecting to a Web server through direct communication. It's the same thing, and the client cannot tell the distinction. The client makes a request for the resource, which is followed by receiving it without the need for any additional configuration needed for the end user.

Reverse proxy providers offer options like:

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  A centralized layer of security to guard the server.
  
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  Incoming traffic is directed based on rules you define.
  
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  New functionality added for caching.
  
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While central security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy, reverse proxies apply this for the web server layer but not to the client layer. Instead of focusing on upkeep of firewalls on the layer of web servers that could contain multiple servers and different configurations, most of the firewall security is aimed towards the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interacting with clients distant from web servers enables them to concentrate on delivering the requirements of their customers.

In the case of multiple servers existing through reverse proxy reverse proxy also is responsible for directing which requests are routed to which servers. There may be several web servers that provide identical content, but providing different services or a combination of both. They could be running the HTTP protocol that is a standard web server, but they can also contain other protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can also configure reverse proxy settings to direct users to a particular server based on the service requested, or to follow specific guidelines on the volume of traffic.

Reverse proxies can also take advantage of their position over web servers, as they have the capability to store data. Large static assets can be configured using caching rules to prevent the web server from being hit with every request. Some solutions providing the option to serve static content directly without connecting to the web server in any way. Furthermore, the reverse proxy can manage compressing these assets.

The popular Nginx web server is also used as a well-known reverse proxy option. While there is an equivalent feature available in the Apache web server, it has a reverse proxy features as an added feature available to Apache whereas Nginx was originally designed for and is specifically designed for reverse proxy functions.

Distinguishing Forward and Reverse Proxy Usage Situations

Because "forward" in addition to "reverse" have connotations of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic, these labels can be confusing because both kinds of proxy systems process requests as well as responses. Better yet, the best method of separating between a both reverse and forward proxies is to research the requirements of the app that you're building.

Reverse proxy is helpful when building a solution to serve websites on the internet. They act as your web servers when you use the internet.

Forward proxy is beneficial when they are placed before customers for the purpose of your own use, or even in a business environment. They represent your client traffic when they interact with the internet.

The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on commonly used naming conventions can help in avoidance of confusion.

Conclusion

This article clarified what a proxy is, and compared it to the two most common kinds that are forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications as well as a review of the beneficial attributes were used to distinguish forward proxies as well as reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the implementation of proxy servers You can read our guide on how to set up Nginx as a reverse proxy and web server proxy for Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.