Proxy vs Reverse Proxy
Fowarding client requests anonymously vs. securing, caching, and rate-limiting backend servers.
What you'll learn
- Forward Proxy
- Reverse Proxy
- Load Balancing
TL;DR
Fowarding client requests anonymously vs. securing, caching, and rate-limiting backend servers.
Visual System Topology
1. Forward Proxy
Server
2. Reverse Proxy
Client
Proxy
Concept Overview
Proxies are intermediary servers that sit between clients and servers. A forward proxy acts on behalf of clients, while a reverse proxy acts on behalf of servers.
They provide additional functionality like security, caching, load balancing, and anonymity.
Key Architectural Pillars
Forward Proxy
Sits between clients and the internet. Clients send requests to the proxy, which forwards them to servers. Hides client identity.
Reverse Proxy
Sits between the internet and servers. Receives client requests and forwards to appropriate backend servers. Hides server architecture.
Load Balancing
Reverse proxies can distribute incoming requests across multiple backend servers.