Forward Proxy vs Reverse Proxy

Forward Proxy

A forward proxy is a server that sits between grouo of client machines/devices and the internet.

Protect clients by hiding the IP address of the client. Only the IP address of the proxy is visible.

Avoid browsing restrictions (by connecting to a forward proxy outside the firewall). does not always work as the firewall itseld prevents the connection to the proxy

Block access to certain content - by applying the filter rules on the forward proxy

Forward proxy requires a client to configure its application to point to it.

Transparant proxy to streamline the process

Reverse Proxy

A reverse proxy is a server that accepts a request from the client, forwards the request to web servers, and returns the results to the client as if the proxy server had processed the request.

Websites IP address is hidden behind the reverse proxy server

Protect servers

Load balancing (Cloud flare)

Cache static contents

Encrypt and decrypt SSL communications : SSL handshake is expensive can can done at the reverse proxy server