Cybersecurity is evolving rapidly. In fact, this development is driven by the incredible growth in the number and quality of attacks on private and commercial networks. Today, it is especially important to create a safe and confidential Internet surfing environment. This is necessary to protect personal and financial data, to conduct any activity in the network, to get access to content from all over the world. Proxies help in the implementation of this complex of measures. Today you will learn the difference between forward and reverse proxy, how to choose and get a suitable system.
What is a proxy server and what is it used for?
Before exploring the issue of the two main types of proxy (reverse and forward), it is necessary to learn the basics. A proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary between Internet resources and users. It receives an outgoing request, intercepts it, and redirects it to its destination on its own behalf. The whole process takes place in a fraction of a second and is invisible to the user.
This allows you to create a completely safe and confidential environment of Internet surfing. No site will be able to get the user’s real IP address, financial data, confidential information. Professional proxy checker is suitable for private and commercial use.
Forward Proxy
A direct proxy is a tool used by a user to hide IP address, banking information, personal information, passwords. As a rule, it is the one that is meant when talking about privacy servers.
The most important difference between a forward proxy and a reverse proxy is their functionality. A forward proxy receives a request from a user, processes it and sends it to the site. Upon receiving a response from the resource, the server also receives it to its address, processes it and sends it to the user. Thus, the site does not know about you, but the server knows everything about you and the site.
The server’s work can be divided into three stages:
You enter a query in the search box and initiate it to be sent to the World Wide Web. At that moment, the server intercepts your request. It happens instantly. The user does not experience any difficulty in using the network or delay in the server’s response.
Upon receiving a request to its address, the proxy changes its address and hides all information that can get into the network if the resource has negative settings. This allows any incoming information to be kept confidential.
The server forwards the request on its behalf. The site sees the new address, and forwards the response to it.
When it receives the response, it also analyses it, changes the address to your real one and sends it. Thus, the only point in the network where you show your IP address is the service itself. It is impossible to hack the system, which ensures complete security of Internet surfing.
Direct proxy is common all over the world. This option is most suitable for private use. It is also popular among workers in analytics, marketing and other professions.
Reverse Proxy
What is the difference between a proxy and a reverse proxy? – the very system of server interaction is different. Its main task is the safety of the web resource. It allows you to protect corporate sites from attacks and keep their real addresses confidential.
A reverse proxy is a server that receives requests to a web site on its behalf. Upon receiving a request, the server examines its configuration and sends it to the resource, if the request is trustworthy and does not cause suspicion. This allows you to prevent the hacking of the site, theft of confidential, financial or commercial information.
The algorithm of operation of this type of product is as follows:
Receiving a request from a user.
Check the IP address for suspicious activity.
Identifying the intentions of sending the enquiry.
If approved, the server redirects the request to the desired resource.
Thus, it passes through its filter all incoming requests, allowing only clean requests to the resource. This helps to protect the website from encroachment on confidential information. This type of product is most popular among owners of public websites, corporate resources, etc.
As you can see the difference between forward and reverse proxies is enormous. Each of them has its own sphere of influence. You should choose the option that suits your type of activity.
Proxy functionality
Despite the differences between the two main types described above, it is possible to identify common features of functionality. In essence, both carry a single mission – protection and security. In addition, there are other features that are worth evaluating.
Privacy protection.
A comparison of reverse proxy and forward proxy made it clear that both of them are aimed at protection. Direct – to protect the user, reverse – to protect the website. In any case, the server does not collect and transfer private information to third parties. On the contrary, it carefully hides and protects it from third-party encroachment.
Bypassing blocking.
Modern users are increasingly faced with the problem of blocked access to content. There can be many reasons for this, but the result is always the same – inability to access the site. Proxy solves this problem perfectly. You will be able to access any content from all over the world. The server changes addresses depending on the geolocation required for access.
Filtering.
You can independently detect and block unwanted resources. This function is important for corporate networks. It allows you to control site visits by company employees, block unwanted resources for family members, and so on.
Speeding up your Internet connection.
Modern proxy servers are adapted to work with each specific user. The system remembers the sites you frequently visit, which allows for immediate downloading of resources. In addition, during the interaction there is a distribution of requests. Such functions are especially important during online games, watching films.
Help in promoting your social media page.
Today internet marketing serves a particularly important role in the life of any brand, blogger, shop. Direct and reverse proxy servers can help promote social networks, automate many processes, create a multi-account. Get to a fundamentally new level of interaction with social networks.
To ensure smooth networking, it is worth connecting a comprehensive package of services with access to servers from different countries. Find out the cost of 4g proxies to suit your needs. It is important to choose a product that offers value for money and is able to fulfil its responsibilities in full.
Difference between forward and reverse proxy
The difference between a forward and reverse proxy is noted in all areas of a server’s functioning. From its purpose, to the system of interaction with users and websites. Explore the main differences between the systems to find the right one for you.
Scope of application
Although both systems are designed to block moderate traffic, and both types of servers are inherently gateways, their applications are very different. The scope of each is limited to its own responsibility.
Forward proxies are familiar to all users who have ever been interested in proxy systems. They are easy to use, to set up, to change the configuration depending on personal needs. It is used in many applications. From personal use for online privacy, to business applications.
Reverse proxies have a more complex system of operation. They are less familiar to the average consumer, as their scope of application is limited to web resources. They are used to ensure the security of web resources themselves, load balancing, distribution of incoming requests. This is a multifunctional tool that allows you to ensure a high degree of security and efficiency of web resources.
These are the main differences in the two systems. Their fields of application are not just different, they are diametrically opposed. Study the features of each and choose the most suitable one.
Structural position
Forward have a client-based structural position. They ensure the anonymity of a personal computer, laptop or smartphone when going out to eat. The services hide real addresses, contact details, financial information. This is a direct route to a safe internet. The data of the request changes even before it gets to the requested resource. Setting up these proxies should be done independently or entrusted to profile service providers.
Forward and reverse proxies differ in server positioning. Reverse proxies are oriented to work with web resources. Their main task is to ensure the security of the site and server, the safety of information from distribution and third-party use, protection from hacker attacks. They represent a proxy server, which acts as their real server.
What is the difference between a VPN and a proxy?
In fact, reverse proxy vs. forward proxy are not at war. They are complementary systems working on different sides of the barricade. At the same time, they comfortably interact with each other if a user with a forward proxy accesses a website with a reverse proxy.
In this security system there is another representative – VPN. If you are new to this sector, it may seem that proxy and VPN are one and the same system. However, this is not the case. Explore the difference to understand what suits you best.
A VPN encrypts information.
Unlike proxies, a VPN encrypts the data it receives and sends. This provides additional protection for financial manipulations and prevents tracking of personal information.
Cost of services.
As a rule, proxies are more expensive than VPNs. They have a different system of functioning and assume the presence of physical servers. In addition, it is a complex of measures.
Most VPNs do not log traffic.
Generally, proxy servers log traffic, which VPNs do not. You can choose a system with a no-logging policy to ensure complete privacy.
As you can see, these products have significant differences. Despite the fact that their goals are similar, you cannot rank VPNs and proxies in the same rank.
Important: If you want to receive professional services to ensure anonymity and security online, it is worth contacting a professional company that provides this type of services. Only co-operation with professionals will help you get guaranteed anonymity.
Where can I buy reverse or forward proxies?
On the website of a specialised company you can buy mobile proxies on a daily or subscription basis for a certain period. On the website you can study the available service packages, their cost, cancellation conditions. If necessary, you can always contact the support service. Specialists will help you solve any issue related to the system functioning and its configuration.
