Proxy servers are used in business to secure and transport communication between networks. However, it’s frequently unclear how this differs from a reverse proxy. Serving as a middleman between clients and servers is known to be the job of proxy server. Proxy servers come in two types: Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy.
What is a Reverse Proxy?
One kind of proxy server is a reverse proxy. A reverse proxy is used to protect servers, as opposed to a standard proxy server, which is meant to protect clients.
A reverse proxy is a server that accepts a request from a client, sends the request to one of many more servers, and then delivers to the client the results from the actual server that handled the request as if the proxy server had processed the request itself. The client does not realize that another server processed its request because it only talks directly with the reverse proxy server.
An external network can be reached by numerous clients using a conventional forward proxy server. For instance, a company might have a proxy that directs and filters employee Internet traffic to the general public. Contrarily, a reverse proxy manages traffic routing on behalf of numerous servers.
Effectively acting as a conduit between clients, users, and application servers are what a reverse proxy does. It takes care of all traffic routing and access policy administration, and it safeguards the identity of the server handling the request itself.
What is a Proxy Server?
A proxy server, sometimes known as a forward proxy, is a server that directs traffic between clients and an outside the network system. By doing this, it can enforce security protocols, convert and mask client IP addresses, control traffic by predefined policies, and prevent unauthorized communication.
Proxy servers are frequently used in systems with shared networks, such as commercial establishments or data centers. Instead of forcing all policies and route management logic on the clients themselves, proxy servers present a single interface with which clients communicate.
Uses for the Reverse Proxy Server
Onboarding and Off-Boarding
Administrators must set up access control and firewalls when onboarding new users into a network to ensure they have access to the right resources. Traditionally, each server to which users require access must be configured by an admin. This can be time-consuming and error-prone in a large firm with numerous servers.
With a reverse proxy, on the other hand, managers can direct the user to route all traffic through the proxy server and configure the access permissions there. The backend servers only need to trust and talk to the proxy directly. Doing so through a single source considerably streamlines the configuration process and helps guarantee access is granted and withdrawn.
Reverse Proxy Server Examples
The following is a list of some well-known reverse proxy servers:
- NGINX
- HAProxy
- Istio
- Linkerd
Difference between a Reverse and Gateway Proxy Server
A gateway and a reverse proxy server’s distinction can be seen despite their seeming similarity. A network point called a gateway serves as the main entrance to another network. Gateways handle the data routing between several networks. Become familiar with a reverse proxy.
A reverse proxy server, on the other hand, retransmits the data that is being sent from one or more servers. The bottom line is that the gateway must give the reverse proxy server permission to connect to the network. It stands in for an additional server and computer on a network.
Conclusion
A reverse proxy server serves as the network’s police watch, keeping an eye on all incoming and outgoing traffic. Between the user and the application, the server functions as a gateway. As a result, the proxy server manages all traffic shaping and policy administration for a positive user experience.
