Overview
This post summarizes the differences between proxy servers (forward proxy servers), reverse proxy servers, and gateway servers.
What is a Proxy Server (Forward Proxy Server)?
A server placed between a client and a server that acts as an intermediary for their communication. It handles requests on behalf of the client.
Client → Proxy Server → Internet → Server
The benefits include:
- Log collection
- Caching
- Virus protection
- Filtering (access control)
- Ensuring anonymity
What is a Reverse Proxy Server?
A server placed between a client and a server that acts as an intermediary for their communication. It handles requests on behalf of the server.
Client → Internet → Reverse Proxy → Server
The benefits include:
- Log collection
- Caching
- Virus protection
- Load balancing
- SSL offloading
- Protection against unauthorized access
What is a Gateway Server?
A server placed between a client and a server that intermediates and controls network or protocol conversion between them.
The difference between a proxy server (forward proxy server) and a reverse proxy server is that a proxy "acts on behalf" of communication, while a gateway "enables" communication.
Summary
Forward proxy servers, reverse proxy servers, and gateway servers differ in their placement and whether they act as intermediaries or controllers of communication.
References
- 【Diagram】What’s the Difference Between Reverse Proxy and Forward Proxy?
- 【Diagram】What’s the Difference Between Proxy and Gateway?
- 【Diagram】What’s the Difference Between Reverse Proxy and Forward Proxy?
- What’s the Difference Between Reverse Proxy and Proxy? How Do These Servers Work?
- What is a Proxy? Explaining the Mechanisms of Forward and Reverse Proxies
- A Simple Explanation of the Difference Between Reverse Proxy and Forward Proxy
- What is a Reverse Proxy? | Explanation of Proxy Servers
- The Difference Between Reverse Proxy and Proxy: Their Mechanisms and Roles
- Reverse Proxy 【reverse proxy】 Reverse Proxy / RP Server / RevProxy
- Gateway 【gateway】 GW
- Detailed Explanation of Gateway Basics and Use Cases
- What is a Proxy Server? Overview, Roles, and Benefits Explained