Introducing Proxy Sites

"proxy" refers to a proxy server "proxy" is a reference to the fact that a proxy or proxy server. A proxy server is an application that acts as an intermediary between a client and server on the internet. Without the proxy, a client would make a request to any source direct to a server and it would then serve the resource directly to the user. It's not hard to understand and implement. the addition of proxies offers advantages that include improved performance, privacy, security, and much more. As a pass-through layer, proxy servers serve as a security barrier on the internet between clients and servers.




It is generally accepted that the combination of server hardware and the software that is installed to make proxy connections is often referred to as proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers that are generally described as software, as well as those that are used together with web servers. The article will provide a description of two types, namely the forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each type has its own specific usage that could be confusing due to the use of overlapping terms.




This article will provide you with an idea of the nature of proxies and their subtypes and also their value in the typical settings. If you read this article, you'll be able recognize situations where an effective proxy is beneficial, and determine the most suitable choice between forward and reverse proxy, in any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



In other words forward proxy, also known as open proxy open proxy is an agent for a user who is trying to make requests online to an origin server. In this case, any attempt to send requests by the client is sent through the forward proxy. In this case the forward proxy acting on behalf of the client will examine the request. At the beginning it will determine if clients are authorized make requests through this specific forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect them to the origin server. The client does not have an internet connection directly and is only able to access what the forward proxy permits the client to access.




The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxies is more privacy or protection on the internet. A forward proxy uses the internet for an individual client, and in this way it could make use of an IP address that is different from the IP address of the client.




Based on the way it's setup depending on the way it's set up, forward proxy could perform a variety of capabilities, including the capability of:




Beware of ad-tracker.


Circumvent surveillance.


You will be able to identify any limitations based on your location.




Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that provide central security, as well as permission-based access, for example, in a workplace. When all internet traffic goes through the common forward proxy layer, administrators are able to restrict only a small number of users online access that is blocked by a common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls for the client layer, which could be utilized by multiple computers that have different configurations, environments the firewall can be put in this forward proxy layer.




Be aware that forward proxy servers need to be manually configured before they are able to be used and reverse proxies can be disregarded by clients. Depending on whether your IP address has been sent to the origin server through the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity can be granted or kept in the dark.




There are a variety of options to take into consideration for forward proxies.




Apache The Apache is a popular open-source web server, which provides forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx: Another popular open-source web server with forward proxy capability.


Squid is an open-source forward proxy utilizing an HTTP protocol. This doesn't offer the complete Web server platform. Check out our article on the best way to install Squid proxy to connect private networks in Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante forward proxy that runs using the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP which makes it more suited for scenarios such as peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to look into how to configure Dante proxy for secure connections within Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy acts in the capacity of an agent on a web server and takes care of incoming requests by customers on its behalf. The web server may function as a one server or multiple servers. It can also comprise an application server, like Gunicorn. In any of these situations, the request might come from a user on the internet at large. In most cases, the request will be directly sent to the web server which holds the information that the user is seeking. In contrast, a reverse proxy is a intermediary that isolates the web server from direct contact with the open internet.




From the perspective of the client, interacting via reverse proxy doesn't differ than interacting via direct connection to an internet server. It's exactly the same, but the client can't discern the difference. The client makes a request for a resource and then receives it, with no further configuration required by the client.




Reverse proxy providers provide features like:




Centralized security for web servers.


The routing of traffic inbound is according to rules that you set up.


Additional functionality to cache data.




While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy, reverse proxies add this feature to that layer that is on the webserver and not to the client layer. Instead of focusing on sustaining firewalls on the server level, that could include several servers with various configurations, the bulk of firewall security is focused at the reverse proxy layer. Additionally, removing the burden of interacting with firewalls as well as communicating requests from clients away from web servers allows firewalls to focus on supplying services.




In the event of multiple servers operating in a reverse proxy the reverse proxy may also be responsible for directing which requests go towards which servers. There could be multiple web servers operating from the same host, each providing different types of resources or a combination of both. These servers use the HTTP protocol to serve as an ordinary web server. They can also be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy that directs the clients towards specific servers based on the requested resource, or to adhere to specific rules for the traffic load.




Reverse proxies are also able to take advantage of their position before web servers through caching functions. The large static files can be set up with caching policy to prevent hitting web servers with each request, with certain options that let you serve static content without needing to connect to the servers in any manner. In addition, the reverse proxy is capable of handling compression of these assets.




The well-known Nginx web server can also function as an effective reverse proxy option. Even though Apache is a reverse proxy service, this Apache web server also includes reverse proxy capabilities, and is a different option to Apache and Nginx was designed initially for and specifically focuses on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Because "forward" and "reverse" are associated with an impression of directionality and false comparisons with "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic the labels can be confusing because both types of proxies can handle both requests and responses. In addition, the most effective method to differentiate between both forward and reverse proxy services is to consider the requirements of the application that you are developing.




Reverse proxy is helpful when you are developing an option to host websites on the internet. They are your web servers in all interactions on the Internet.




A forward proxy is helpful when used in front of customers for your own usage or even in a business setting. They are your client's representative for any interaction on the internet.




The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on the common naming conventions will help you in avoidance of confusion.



Conclusion



This article will explain what a "proxy" is and the two major types of proxies being the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for its use and an exploration of useful characteristics were used to define between two kinds of proxy both reverse and forward. If you're looking for ways to make proxies work, check out our guide on how to configure Nginx as reverse and web server proxy on Apache on one Ubuntu 20.04 server.



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