Proxy & Reverse Proxy

Quick Reference: Load Balancing | Rate Limiting

Quick Reference

TypeLocationPurposeExample
Forward ProxyClient sideHide client, filter requestsCorporate firewall
Reverse ProxyServer sideLoad balance, SSL terminationNginx, HAProxy

Clear Definition

Forward Proxy sits between clients and internet, hiding client identity. Reverse Proxy sits between internet and servers, hiding server details and providing load balancing, SSL termination, and caching.

šŸ’” Key Insight: Forward proxy protects clients, reverse proxy protects and optimizes servers.

Core Concepts

Forward Proxy

  • Client-side: Protects client identity
  • Filtering: Block content, enforce policies
  • Caching: Cache responses
  • Example: Corporate proxy, VPN

Reverse Proxy

  • Server-side: Protects backend servers
  • Load Balancing: Distribute requests
  • SSL Termination: Handle HTTPS
  • Caching: Cache responses
  • Example: Nginx, HAProxy, CloudFlare

Use Cases

Forward Proxy

  1. Corporate Networks: Filter and monitor traffic
  2. Privacy: Hide client IP
  3. Geo-restrictions: Access blocked content

Reverse Proxy

  1. Load Balancing: Distribute traffic
  2. SSL Termination: Offload encryption
  3. Caching: Cache static content
  4. Security: Hide backend architecture

Best Practices

  1. Use Reverse Proxy: For load balancing and SSL
  2. Cache Strategically: Cache appropriate content
  3. Monitor: Track proxy performance
  4. Security: Implement rate limiting and DDoS protection

Quick Reference Summary

Forward Proxy: Client-side, hides client identity.

Reverse Proxy: Server-side, load balances and protects servers.

Key Use: Reverse proxy for load balancing, SSL termination, caching.

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