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

A proxy is also referred to the software that acts as a mediator between a client and server via the internet. Without the need for proxy servers, a user could submit a request to servers directly and servers would then serve the requested resource directly to the user. It is an easy procedure to comprehend and use, proxy servers can bring benefits such as enhanced performance, privacy, security, and more. As a pass-through layer, proxies act as a gatekeeper of the internet between clients and servers.




Generally speaking, the combined package of server hardware with the software for proxy installation is typically called proxy servers. This article will focus on proxy servers which are generally referred to as software as in the context of web servers. This article will give a description of the two types that are forward proxy and a reverse proxy. Each type has a distinct use case, often confused because of the resemblance to the namesake convention.




This article will provide you with an understanding of different types of proxy services and what their subtypes are, and how they can be beneficial for the common setups. After reading in this post, you'll be able to recognize situations where it is beneficial to use a proxy and decide on the right choice between forward and reverse proxy for any scenario.



Understanding Forward Proxies



The forward proxy, also known as the open proxy is the agent of the client, trying to make an internet-based request to the server that originated it. In this scenario the attempts to make requests by the user will instead be sent straight through the forward proxy. In this case, the forward proxy on behalf of the client will examine the request. It will first determine whether the client can send requests through this particular forward proxy. It will then either reject requests or redirect it to the server it originated from. The client is not able to have directly access to internet. It can access only what the forward proxy permits it to connect to.




The primary reason for people to utilize forward proxy services is to improve privacy or anonymity on the internet. Forward proxy makes use of the internet to replace an individual client, and, in doing so, it may use an alternative IP address in place of the primary IP address used by the client.




Depending on the method by which it's configured the forward proxy will offer a range of features and allow you to:




Beware of ads that track you.


Circumvent surveillance.


Find restrictions based on the your location.




Forward proxies can also be utilized in systems that provide centralized security and access based on permissions, such as at work. If all traffic on the internet flows through an open forward proxy layer, the administrator is able to permit only a small number of clients online access via an common firewall. Instead of having firewalls set up at the client layer which could involve a number of computers with varying settings and users you can put a firewall set up at an intermediary layer.




Take note that forward proxies need to be set up manually to allow them to be used, whereas reverse proxies can be ignored by clients. Depending on whether the IP address of a client is passed to the original server via the forward proxy privacy and security may be granted or left transparent.




There are a number of possibilities to think about when it comes to forward proxies:




Apache is an incredibly well-known open source web server, that offers forward proxy features.


Nginx: Another widely used open-source webserver that includes forward proxy capabilities.


Squid is an free forward proxy that uses the HTTP protocol. This option doesn't include the entire web server application. You can read our tutorial on how you can use Squid proxy to allow private connections within Ubuntu 20.04.


Dante is a forward proxy that runs the SOCKS protocol rather than HTTP in order to be more suitable for situations such as peer-to-peer communication. It is also possible to know how to build the Dante proxy that allows private connections in Ubuntu 20.04



Understanding Reverse Proxies



A reverse proxy functions as an agent for the web server, taking care of any requests that come in from clients on behalf of. This web server may include a server or multiple servers. Furthermore, it could be used as an app server, such as Gunicorn. In any of these scenarios, a request would come from a user via the internet in general. Most of the time it is transmitted directly to the website server hosting the information the client is requesting. Reverse proxy acts as an intermediary to shield Web server from direct communication with the public internet.




From a consumer's point of view from a client's perspective using reverse proxy is not any different from working with Web server in direct contact. It's basically the same, but the client isn't able to discern the difference. The client requests the resource and then it receives it, without any additional configuration needed by the client.




Reverse proxies provide features like:




A centralized layer of security that guards the server.


Controlling traffic inbound based on rules you can define.


New caching functionality has been added.




While central security is a benefit of both reverse and forward proxy servers, reverse proxy providers offer this feature to that layer of the webserver and not to the client layer. instead of maintaining firewalls at the server level that may comprise multiple servers with various configurations, the majority of firewall security is placed upon the reverse proxy. Additionally, removing the responsibility of interfacing with firewalls and interfacing with client requests via web servers enables the firewall to concentrate on providing resources.




In the case of multiple servers that are in a reverse proxy, the reverse proxy also determines which requests are directed to which server. There may be multiple web servers that provide identical content, supplying different types of services or a mixture of both. They could use the HTTP protocol in the same way as the traditional web server. However, they can also be equipped with application server protocols such as FastCGI. There is the possibility to configure a reverse proxy to send visitors to a particular server based on the service requested or to follow specific rules regarding traffic load.




Reverse proxies may also benefit from their position ahead of web servers, by offering the capability of storing data. Large static assets can be configured with caching rules to avoid having to call web servers every time you request. There are some solutions allowing you to serve static files directly without having to connect to the web server even once. Furthermore the reverse proxy is able to handle the compression for these files.




The renowned Nginx web server is also used as a powerful reverse proxy solution. Although Apache is also a reverse proxy solution however, it is a reverse proxy solution. Apache web server is outfitted with a reverse proxy function as an added option for Apache unlike Nginx was initially designed for and is focused on reverse proxy capabilities.



Differentiating Forward Proxy from reverse Proxy Use Cases



Since "forward" and "reverse" come with connotations of directionality as well as misleading comparisons to "incoming" as well as "outgoing" traffic These labels can be confusing since both types of proxies manage both requests as well as responses. The best way to distinguish between reverse and forward proxy is to study the specifications of the application you're working on.




Reverse proxy is an effective tool when you're developing a solution to serve applications on the web via the internet. They act as your web servers whenever you interact on the internet.




A forward proxy can be helpful when placed before clients for your personal use as well as in an official context. They serve as a representation of your client's web traffic during any online interaction.




Separating by use case, instead of focussing on similar naming conventions will assist you in making sure that there is no confusion.



Conclusion



This article explains the meaning of a proxy with two types: the forward proxy and reverse proxy. Practical scenarios for application and the exploration of attributes that are beneficial were used to identify forward proxies and reverse proxy. If you'd like to explore the use of proxy servers we recommend you learn how you can configure Nginx as an internet server as well as reverse proxy to Apache using the Ubuntu 20.04 server.



If you have any kind of inquiries relating to where and the best ways to utilize Proxy Sites [https://www.merchantcircle.com/answers/q/506445/Safeguarding-Online-Privacy--The-Crucial-Role-of-Proxy-Servers], you could contact us at our web page.