The term "proxy" refers to a proxy, also called a proxy server software that serves to act as a mediator between server and client over the internet. Without the proxy, a user could submit a request for the resource directly to a server, and the server would then serve the requested resource directly back for the client. Although this method is easy to comprehend and implement, the addition of proxies can bring benefits like improved performance and security, privacy, and many more. As an additional pass-through layer the proxy serves as a guardian for the internet between servers and clients.




In general, the combination of server hardware and installed proxy software is commonly called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxies that are traditionally defined as software, and specifically in relation to web servers. This article will provide an in-depth breakdown of two types: forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type of proxy has its own situation, and it is frequently misunderstood because of the identical terms.




This article will give you details on what proxy services and their subtypes are and how they work in a variety of configurations. After reading this article, you'll be able identify circumstances in which the use of proxies is advantageous and pick the most appropriate solution for reverse or forward proxy for any particular scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy sometimes called an open proxy acts as a representative for a user who wishes to send a request via the internet to an the server that made it. In this case, the entire effort to send requests made by the user will instead be made via the forward proxy. A forward proxy, acting instead of the client will check into the request. Then, it will determine whether this client has the right to transmit requests via this particular forward proxy. Then, it decides to deny any request or forward it to the server that originated it. The client does not have direct connection for the web. It is able to access only the information that forward proxy allows it to access.




A common use of forward proxy is to provide greater privacy or security while using the internet. Forward proxy is able to access the internet instead of a client and in this way it can utilize a different IP address than the original IP address of the client.




Depending on how it has been configured depending on how it is configured, forward proxy may grant you various features depending on the configuration, which allows you to:




Do not be a victim of ad-tracking.


Circumvent surveillance.


Recognize restrictions based on place of residence.




Forward proxies are also used for security systems that are centralized and also for access based on permissions, like at a workplace. If all traffic on the internet passes via an open forward proxy the administrator can grant only a small number of clients connection to internet filtered through the firewall. Instead of setting up firewalls on the server layer that could include a variety of devices that operate in different environments and types of users, a firewall could be positioned on top of this forward proxy layer.




It is essential to note that forward proxies need to be manually set up for use while reverse proxies will be hidden from the user. Depending on the type the IP address of the user who is transferred to the server that is originally via the forward proxy Privacy and anonymity may be granted or not.




There are a variety of options to consider for forward proxy services.




Apache An open source well-known web server that offers forward proxy features.


Nginx: Another widely used open-source web server with forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is a free forward proxy using the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't include the full web server. Read our article about the best method to build a Squid proxy for private connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is forward proxy which utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP and HTTP which makes it better for use instances like peer-to-peer communication. You can also check out how to set up Dante proxy to allow private connections on Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an agent for a web server, which handles the incoming requests of clients on behalf of. The web server could comprise servers, or even multiple servers. It could also be an application-server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios the request will be made via the web in general. In the majority of cases your request is transmitted directly to the webserver with the information the user seeks. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary, separating the webserver from direct communications with the open internet.




From the point of view of a user the experience of interacting with reverse proxy is not different from communicating with an internet server direct. It's functionally the same however the client can't be able to discern the difference. The client makes a request for a resource and then receives it, without any extra configuration required on the part of the client.




Reverse proxies can provide features such as:




Centralized security on webservers.


The direction of traffic coming in by implementing rules that you establish.


New functionality added for caching.




While centralized security is an advantage of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this feature only to the layer that is the webserver and not clients. instead of the maintenance of firewalls on the layer of web servers which could contain multiple servers and various configurations, the bulk protection of firewalls is targeted at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the responsibility of working with a firewall and communicating with requests from clients via web servers allows them to concentrate solely on addressing the requirements of their clients.




In the event of multiple servers running a reverse-proxy the reverse proxy can also handle the direction that requests are directed to which servers. Multiple web servers could be operating on the same server, providing different types of resources or a mix of both. They can use the HTTP protocol as a traditional web server, but they can also be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. It is possible to set up reverse proxy servers that redirect users to a specific servers based on the services requested, or to adhere to certain rules regarding the load of traffic.




Reverse proxies also gain from their placement over web servers, as they provide the ability to cache. Large static assets can be created using caching rules to prevent having to contact web servers each time you request. Certain software solutions let you directly serve static files without having to interact with the webserver even once. In addition reverse proxy solutions are able to handle the compression of these assets.




The renowned Nginx web server functions as a well-known reverse proxy solution. Although Apache is an alternative to reverse proxy, the Apache web server also comes with reverse proxy features however, it's a distinct feature to Apache unlike Nginx was initially designed for and focuses on the reverse proxy feature.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and reverse Proxy Use



Since "forward" and "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality, and false comparisons with "incoming" and "outgoing" traffic the names could be confusing because both kinds of proxies handle the processing of requests as well as responses. The best method to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy providers is to take into account the requirements of the app that you are developing.




A reverse proxy is a useful tool when building a solution to provide web-based applications over the internet. They act as your web server during any interaction on the web.




Forward proxy can be helpful when placed before users for personal use, or even in the workplace. They represent your client's traffic every time you connect to the internet.




The practice of segregating by use case, instead of focusing solely on standard naming conventions can help make sure that you don't get confused.



Conclusion



This article explains the meaning of a proxy using the two major types, namely the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Examples of practical use as well as a review of the advantageous features were used to differentiate between reverse and forward proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the benefits of proxies, you can read our guide on how to configure Nginx as a web server and reverse proxy within Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 Server.



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