10 Sensible Methods To use Proxy Sites

A proxy or proxy server is software which acts in the middle between a client and server over the internet. Without the use of a proxy, users will send a request to resources directly the server, and the server would serve the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple method to grasp and use but the addition of proxies can provide advantages in the form of more performance, privacy and security, and much more. As an additional layer of passing through, proxies act as a security layer for the internet between servers and clients.

It is generally accepted that the package of server hardware with the software used to install proxy services is commonly referred to as proxy servers. However, this article will focus on proxy servers which are generally described as software as well as those used in conjunction with web servers. We will present a summary of the two primary kinds of proxy servers, namely those that are a forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Each has their own use which may be confusing due to a similar terminology.

This article will give you an understanding of what proxies and their subtypes are, as well as their benefits in a range of configurations. After reading in this post, you'll be aware of how to identify the scenarios in which a proxy is advantageous, and decide on the best option for forward proxy or reverse proxy depending on the situation.

Understanding Forward Proxies

Forward proxy, also known by the name of open proxy. An open proxy is a proxy for a client that is trying to send an online request to a server. In this case, the whole request sent by the client will be directed by the forward-proxy. The forward proxy, acting in its place as the customer, will review the request. First, it will check if the client been granted permission to send requests using this particular forward proxy. It then will reject a demand and then forward the request to an original server. The client is not able to have direct access to the internet. It can access only what the forward proxy permits it to access.

A common use case of forward proxy is increased security or privacy on the internet. A forward proxy is connected to the internet instead of a client and in this process it is using an alternative IP address that is different from the client's initial IP address.

Based on the way it has been set up in accordance with the configuration forward proxy can offer a range of features depending on how it's configured. This allows users to:

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  Do not be a victim of ad tracking.
  
  
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  Circumvent surveillance.
  
  
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  Determine the restrictions that are based on the location you are in.
  
  

Forward proxies are also utilized in systems that use centralized security and based access, for instance, in workplaces. If all internet traffic flows through an open forward proxy layer, an administrator can limit access for only a select user group to the internet, which is filtered through an common firewall. Instead of putting firewalls in place for the client layer which may comprise several devices with diverse environments and users, it is possible to set up a firewall located at the layer that forwards proxy traffic.

It is essential to note that forward proxy servers have to be manually set up to use, whereas reverse proxies may be hidden from clients. Based on the type of IP address the client, it is sent to the server which created it by the forward proxy's privacy and security may be granted or kept hidden.

There are a myriad of alternatives to consider when it comes to forward proxy options:

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  Apache The most well-known open source web server offering forward proxy capabilities.
  
  
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  Nginx is another well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy features.
  
  
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  Squid: A free forward proxy that utilizes the HTTP protocol. Squid doesn't come with a complete website server software. We have instructions on how to set-up Squid proxy to permit private connections in Ubuntu 20.04.
  
  
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  Dante Forward Proxy that utilizes the SOCKS protocol instead of HTTP which makes it more for use in situations such as peer-to -peer traffic. It is also possible to understand how to configure an Dante proxy for private connections in Ubuntu 20.04
  
  

Understanding Reverse Proxies

A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary for a web server that handles any requests made by clients on its behalf. The web server could consist of a single server, or several servers. Additionally, it could serve as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In either scenario the request will come from an internet user in general. In the majority of cases requests will get made directly to the web server, which is equipped with all the resources that the user is in need of. Contrarily reverse proxy acts as an intermediary and isolates Web servers from direct communication with the open internet.

From the consumer's point of view, interacting with reverse proxy is not different from interacting with an internet server direct. It's the same thing, and the client cannot discern the distinction. The client makes a request for this resource and is then granted without additional configuration needed to be performed by the customer.

Reverse proxies provide features such as:

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  A centralized layer of security that protects the server.
  
  
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  Controlling traffic coming inbound according to rules you can set up.
  
  
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  A new feature to cache has been added.
  
  

While centralized security is a benefit of both forward and reverse proxy servers, reverse proxies offer this feature only to the server layer, but not the layer that clients use. Instead of establishing firewalls on Web server layers that can comprise multiple servers and different configurations, most security for firewalls is focused on the reverse proxy layer. Furthermore, taking the burden of interacting with a firewall and interacting with requests from customers who aren't connected to web servers enables the firewall to concentrate on addressing the needs of their customers.

If there are multiple servers operating within a reverse proxy it also manages controlling which requests go to which servers. A number of web servers could be running within the exact same system, providing different types of resources or a combination of both. These servers use the HTTP protocol like a traditional web server. However, they can be equipped with applications server protocols such as FastCGI. You can set up reverse proxy servers to guide the clients towards specific servers based on the type of resource they are looking for, or to comply with certain rules for traffic load.

Reverse proxies are also able to gain advantage from their position prior to web servers, through providing caching functions. Large static assets are able to be configured using caching rules to avoid having to call web servers on every request. Certain software solutions allow you to deliver static files directly without having to connect to the web server even once. Furthermore, the reverse proxy can manage compression of these assets.

The popular Nginx web server can also function as a reliable reverse proxy service. While it is real it is true that Apache website server outfitted with a reverse proxy that can be used in conjunction with Apache but Nginx was originally built for and focuses on the reverse proxy feature.

Distinguishing Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Examples

Since "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with the notion of directionality as well as false comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic. They can be confusing since both types of proxy services process requests and responses. The best way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy service is to think about the requirements of the app that you're working on.

A reverse proxy is useful when you are designing a system to provide web-based solutions on the internet. They serve as your servers when you interact with the Internet.

Forward proxy applications can be beneficial when it is placed in front of the client for your personal usage or in a professional context. They represent your customers whenever you use the internet.

The use case-based differentiation instead of focusing on standard naming conventions will assist you to avoid confusion.

Conclusion

This article defined what a proxy is with two types: forward proxy and the reverse proxy. Practical applications and an exploration of useful features were utilized to differentiate between forward and reverse proxies. If you're interested to learn more about the ways to implement proxies we recommend you read our tutorial on how to set up Nginx as an internet server and reverse proxy with Apache on an Ubuntu 20.04 server.

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