Forward proxy vs. Reverse proxy: What is the difference

But with the advancements of technology, different types of proxies have developed. The most popular types are– forward proxy and reverse proxy. Many people are confused about their working principles and use cases. But worry not! This detailed guide will help you understand the difference between forward proxy and reverse proxy. Here we will study everything in depth, from their functionalities to the best use cases. By the end, you will be able to decide which one fits best for your specific needs. So, keep reading.

Article’s Key Takeways

• Forward and reverse proxies serve very different roles in networking. A forward proxy sits between the user and the internet, masking client IPs, granting access to geo-blocked content, and enabling organizations to control and monitor outgoing traffic. A reverse proxy, on the other hand, sits in front of backend servers, protecting them from external threats, balancing loads, caching content, and improving overall performance. 
• While forward proxies are most useful for individual users or businesses that need privacy, controlled access, or data scraping, reverse proxies are essential for organizations managing multiple servers that require scalability, security, and reliable uptime. 
• Despite their differences, both share common functions like caching, traffic management, and strengthening security, making them vital tools depending on whether the priority is client privacy or server protection.
• Both proxy types are provided by ProxyWing. Try our high-speed and secure Forward and Reverse proxies.

What are the Forward and Reverse Proxies?

Before looking at the key difference, you must know the basics of a proxy. Well, it is software that acts as a gateway between the actual servers and clients. Its key role is distributing incoming requests. In simple words, it is pretty helpful in providing security, performance, and control to the client and private network.

What is a Forward Proxy?

A forward proxy is also named a proxy. It is a server that is placed between the client and the web. It helps prevent dedicated communication between users and the origin web servers. By handling requests on behalf of the client, it ensures secure connection requests on the internet. Whenever a request is sent, the forward proxy catches it and then forwards it to the origin server.

What is a Reverse Proxy?

The other popular choice is a reverse proxy. But it functions in a reverse way, as the name indicates. It also acts as an intermediary between the user and backend servers. Its function is handling incoming requests from outside users to a private network. Apart from security, reverse proxy offers many other advantages. For example, distributing traffic equally across multiple servers, load balancing, and caching content. Also, protecting backend system becomes easy with proxy solutions.

Why Are Proxies Important in Networking?

Whether it’s a forward or reverse proxy, both play imperative parts in networks as well as web applications. First, they help improve security. Moreover, they manage traffic loads and cache contents.
Forward proxies in an organization help in access controls. They block users from accessing certain websites on the internet that can be harmful. On the other hand, reverse proxies, ban harmful access to the organization’s private network of servers. Installing them is really required for improving website or network performance. Furthermore, this kind of proxy works well in protecting backend resources.

Key Features and Functions

Now let us see the key features and uses of both:

How Does a Forward Proxy Work?

It is already mentioned above that a forward proxy is placed between the web and users. When any client sends a request, it is routed to the proxy server and then forwards to web servers. Actually, the proxy server assigns a new IP to the request. When the web server receives a request, it sends a response to the proxy, and then it is received by a user.

Use Cases for Forward Proxies

Here are the major uses of forward proxies:

• Helps in accessing geo-blocked websites
• Increase browsing speed by caching content and reducing load times
• Protects users by hiding their IP addresses
• Give organizations access control over web usage
  

How Does a Reverse Proxy Work?

A reverse proxy is sitting between the network of an organization and the outside clients. Its major role is to check the request when it is made from outsiders to the network. In simple words, it creates a single point entry to the private network. This server distributes traffic to balance loads too.

Use Cases for Reverse Proxies

Here are their major uses:

• They work as load balancers and manage traffic around multiple backend servers.
• These also cache data for high speed.
• Reverse proxies safeguard servers in private networks from attacks.

Forward Proxy vs. Reverse Proxy: A Detailed Comparison

Feature	Forward Proxy	Reverse Proxy
Functionality	Placed between user and web to access geo-blocked contents.	Placed between a private network and outside users for security.
Security	Prevent IP tracking	Safeguard backends servers from attacks
Scalability	Suitable for single servers and networks	Developed for multiple backend servers
Performance	Improve loading times	Improve response time and balance load
Cost	Low	High

When to Use a Forward Proxy

If you are looking for IP masking to access a banned website, a forward proxy is a great solution. You can check SEO stats and the crypto market in any country with its help. It is also used to restrict access to the internet and monitor traffic. Apart from this, its caching capability helps to experience high speed. It is available for both single users and businesses.

When to Use a Reverse Proxy

The major application of reverse proxy is to safeguard backend servers from malicious attacks. It is primarily used in organizations with large networks for security and load balancing.

Reverse and Forward Proxy Differences

Now we will discuss the difference between these proxies. Although they both act as intermediaries, their functions are different. 

Direction of Traffic

The first and foremost difference between them is the direction of routing traffic. Forward proxies basically handle the requests that are sent to the web. It enables clients to access the restricted websites and hide their identity.

Reverse proxies, on the other hand, handle the traffic that is sent to servers of private networks from clients. It filters requests and then sends them to the main server.

Purpose

The purpose of using a forward proxy is to get hands-on banned websites. These could be in any country. It also increases browsing speed.

Talking about reverse proxy, it is simply used to protect the backend servers of a network of any organization. The incoming traffic, or incoming HTTP requests, first needs to go through this server. This is done for network security, just like a firewall.

Security

The security is provided to the client from a forward proxy via IP masking. On the other hand, reverse proxy offers robust security to the network from attacks like DDoS. This is done by filtering the request.

Implementation

Forward proxy is a solution meant for clients. Users need to buy these services from any reliable vendor. On the other hand, backward proxies are server-side solutions. It decides which clients can access resources and which cannot. This security measure is very important because accessed resources by cybercriminals can lead to network havoc.

Scalability

Reverse proxies are ideal for distributing traffic equally on all servers of a private network. It ensures that no single server overladede with requests. It can be up or down scaled as per requirements.
However, forward proxies cannot be scaled. They are available in standard packages to the users.

Use Cases

Forward proxies can be used for data scraping, SEO keyword performance, crypto market analysis, video streaming, and gaming.

Reverse proxies are used for high-end network protection. They also increase website response time and balance loads on in-house servers. These solutions identify any threat, addressing any malicious activity before it harms the network.

Reverse and Forward Proxy Similarities

Forward and reverse proxy serve different purposes, but they have a few similarities. Let us check them:

Improving Performance Via Caching Content

These both proxies make website performance better with caching features. They store used web pages in their database and retrieve them without any delay when another user requests the same. This way, these increase the speed of surfing on the internet.

Safeguarding Backend and Client Privacy

Another common thing among these proxies is protection. While forward proxies protect clients, reverse proxies helps protect networks. These both helps ensure that the client and network cannot be attacked by any cyber threat.

Balance Traffic to Improve Website Performance

Both types manage traffic. One is responsible for managing outgoing requests, while the other deals with incoming requests. The ultimate goal is common— protection and increased speed.

Choosing the Right Proxy for Your Needs

When it comes to making a choice between these two proxies, you need to weigh your specific needs. As you read, both servers have different purposes. Consider the following factors: 

Security Requirements

First, see whether you want security for your single system or a network of multiple servers. If you are a web user, go with a forward proxy. On the other hand, if protection is required for your business network, pick reverse proxies.

Performance Requirements

Reverse proxies helps improve website performance. It is best to invest in these if this is your need.

User Privacy

In case you want to hide your identity to perform any confidential task, pick forward proxies. With their help, you will be assigned a new IP, and nobody on the web can identify you.

Network Type

The network environment plays a crucial role in choosing the right proxy:

• Forward proxy works best for clients, as it manages outbound HTTP requests, enabling controlled internet access and enhanced privacy.
• Reverse proxies are suited for servers, as they help distribute incoming traffic, enhance security, and improves performance by optimizing backend connections.

FAQ

How does a reverse proxy improve server performance?

Reverse proxies balance traffic between different servers of a private network. It safeguards backend servers from getting overwhelmed with a large number of requests. Also, it increases website speed via caching content.

Can a single server use both a forward proxy and a reverse proxy?

Absolutely yes! Single servers can use both forward and reverse proxies. One helps them to hide their identity on the web, and another assists in managing traffic. Both serving different purposes.

When should I use a forward proxy?

Forward proxies are the best choice if you are a web user. It helps to hide your identity and access restricted content. These proxies also safeguard you from online attacks. 

When is a reverse proxy the right choice?

You must pick reverse proxies if the goal is to improving response time and network security. It does not allow any malicious requests to enter the network, thereby providing robust protection to backend servers.