The difference and connection between forward and reverse proxies: a detailed explanation of how they work

Both forward and reverse proxies are proxy methods that play an important role in network communication, but they are significantly different in terms of how they work and the scenarios in which they are used. A forward proxy can be seen as a middleman between the user side and the target server, while a reverse proxy, on the contrary, plays the role between the server and the client.

Positive Agents:

A forward proxy works like a secretary, providing the user with the ability to access the target server. When a user sends a request to a forward proxy, the proxy server goes on behalf of the user to obtain the desired resource and returns it to the user. This allows the user to bypass firewalls or other restrictions to achieve access to specific resources.

Reverse proxy:

Unlike a forward proxy, a reverse proxy works like a security guard that stands in front of the server and receives and forwards requests from the client. When the client sends a request, the reverse proxy forwards the request to the appropriate back-end server according to the configured rules and passes the response returned by the server back to the client. In this way, the client doesn't actually know who the final destination server is.

Distinction:

The difference in how forward and reverse proxies work can be explained by two analogies. A forward proxy is like a user who wants to visit a closed garden, but needs permission to do so, so he asks a secretary to apply on his behalf and eventually gets access. A reverse proxy is like a security guard at the front door of a restaurant; only with the guard's permission can a guest enter the restaurant and enjoy a meal.

Contact:

Forward and reverse proxies work differently, but they both provide security and flexibility in network communications. Both forward and reverse proxies can play a role in protecting servers and users in practical applications. They can improve the efficiency and stability of network access through caching, load balancing, and other technical means.