• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

proxy, also known as a proxy is also known by the name of a proxy, a software that acts as a mediator between a server and client on the internet. Without the use of a proxy, a user would make a request any service directly from the server and then the server will give the requested resource directly to the user. While this is a simple method to understand and use, however, the addition proxy servers can offer advantages in terms of more performance, privacy and security, and many more. Apart from offering a security layer the proxy also acts as a gatekeeper to the internet, separating clients and servers.




The combined package of server hardware along with the software for proxy installation is commonly referred to as a proxy server. In this article, we will focus on proxies traditionally classified as software, and also in the context of web servers. You will get a breakdown of the two principal kinds of proxies, which are a forward proxy and reverse proxy. reverse proxy. Each has its own usage scenario that is often not understood due to the common naming convention.




This article will provide you with some understanding about what proxies and their subtypes are, and how they can be beneficial in a range of configurations. Through this article, you'll be able recognize the situations where a proxy is beneficial, and then make the best alternative between forward and reverse proxy for any particular situation.



Understanding Forward Proxies



An forward proxy sometimes known as the open proxy is a proxy for a user trying to send a request through the internet to a source server. In this situation, any attempt to send requests made by the client will instead be sent through the forward proxy. Forward proxy acting in the client's stead is able to examine the request. It will first determine if the client is authorized to receive requests from this specific forward proxy. Then, it will either reject requests or redirect it to the server that originated it. It's not able directly connect with the Internet. It can only access what the forward proxy enables the forward proxy to connect.




The most common reason for using forward proxy is the need for greater security or privacy when surfing the web. The forward proxy is connected to the web as a user, and during this manner, it connects an alternate IP address for the IP address of your client.




Depending on how it has been configured in accordance with the way it was configured, forward proxy may offer a range of features which allow users to:




Do not click on ads that track you.


Circumvent surveillance.


You can identify restrictions based upon your geolocation.




Forward proxies are also employed in systems that provide central security and access through permissions, such as in the workplace. All internet traffic can pass by an open forward proxy. administrators are able to grant access to specific people to connect on the internet. This is filtered by the common firewall. Instead of establishing firewalls on clients, which may be used by several computers with different types of environments and users. A firewall may be placed at this forward proxy layer.




Take note that forward proxy servers have to be manually setup to allow them to be used however reverse proxies will not be noticed by users. Based on the fact that the IP address of a user is transmitted to the source server via the forward proxy, privacy and anonymity could be granted or hidden.




There are many options to consider when considering forward proxy services.




Apache: A popular open-source web server, which offers forward proxy capabilities.


Nginx is another well-known open-source web server that has forward proxy capabilities.


Squid: An open source forward proxy which utilizes an HTTP protocol. It doesn't come with the complete web server. There is a step-bystep guide for setting up Squid proxy to allow secure connections on Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante Forward proxy that uses the SOCKS protocol instead HTTP which makes it better suited for cases like peer-to-peer connections. It is also possible to look into the steps to install the Dante proxy that will allow private connections to Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary between web servers, which handles the incoming requests of clients in its place. The server could function as a single server or multiple servers. Additionally, it can contain an application server like Gunicorn. It is possible to receive the request of a customer via the internet in general. Most of the time the request will be directed directly to the server hosting the information the client wants. Reverse proxy works as an intermediary to isolate your server from communications with the internet's public.




From the point of view that is an individual's view, interacting with reverse proxy isn't distinct from the interaction with the server on its own. It's functionally the same as the web server, and the client is unable discern the difference. The client is able to make a request for the resource and it receive it, without any additional configuration needed by the user.




Reverse proxies grant features like:




Centralized security to web server.


The direction of traffic that is incoming according to rules you create.


A new feature for caching has been added.




While centralized security is a benefit for both forward and reverse proxy services, reverse-proxies provide this function to the web server layer, but not the layer of clients. instead of having firewalls installed at the layer of web servers that may contain multiple servers with various configurations, the bulk of firewall security is located at that layer called reverse proxy. In addition, the absence of interfacing with a firewall and interacting with requests from clients who do not have web servers allows them to focus on meeting the requirements of their clients.




In the event of multiple servers hosted by reverse proxy the reverse proxy takes care of directing which requests go on which server. There could be multiple web servers offering the same service, but each providing different types of resources, or perhaps a mix of both. They can utilize the HTTP protocol in the same way as a traditional web server, but they can also be equipped with protocols for application servers like FastCGI. You can create reverse proxy that directs users to specific servers depending on the resource they are looking for, or to observe specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxy solutions also profit from their placement on the top of web servers by using caching capabilities. Large static assets can be set up with caching rules in order to prevent hitting web servers with each request. Some solutions even allowing the server to serve static files directly without connecting to a web server at all. In addition reverse proxy has the ability to handle compression of these files.




The popular Nginx web server also functions as a well-known reverse proxy service. It is true that the Apache web server has a reverse proxy function, it's an additional option. Apache and not the default option. Nginx was originally designed to and focused on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from Reverse Proxy Use Situations



Since "forward" as well as "reverse" are associated with a sense of directionality and inaccurate comparisons with "incoming" or "outgoing" traffic. The labels can confuse because each type of proxy handles requests and responses. The best way to differentiate between reverse and forward proxy services is to consider the needs of the application you're developing.




Reverse proxy is an important feature when building an application that can deliver web-based applications on the internet. They serve as your web servers in any interaction with the internet.




Forward proxy applications are beneficial when it is displayed in front of clients for personal use or even in a working environment. They can be used to represent your client's traffic when you use the internet.




Utilizing case-based differentiation instead of focusing solely on common naming conventions can ensure that you don't be confused.



Conclusion



This article defined what is a "proxy" is with the two primary kinds being forward and reverse proxy. Practical applications and a discussion of the beneficial features was used to distinguish forward proxies as well as reverse proxy. If you're interested exploring how to use proxies, read our guide on how to configure Nginx as a webserver and reverse proxy on Apache on Ubuntu 20.04 server.



In the event you loved this article and you would like to receive more details about Proxy Sites (edit.tosdr.org) generously visit our website.