Overview

This post summarizes the differences between Forward Proxy, Reverse Proxy, and Gateway servers.

What is a Forward Proxy Server?

A server that is placed between the client and server, acting as an intermediary for their communication (relay). It proxies requests from the client.

Client → Proxy Server → Internet → Server

The benefits include:

• Log acquisition
• Caching
• Virus protection
• Filtering (Access control)
• Ensuring anonymity

What is a Reverse Proxy Server?

A server that is placed between the client and server, acting as an intermediary for their communication (relay). It proxies requests from the server.

Client → Internet → Reverse Proxy → Server

The benefits include:

• Log acquisition
• Caching
• Virus protection
• Load balancing
• SSL offloading
• Protection against unauthorized access

What is a Gateway Server?

A server that is placed between the client and server, relaying and controlling the conversion of networks and protocols.

The difference from Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy is that a proxy acts as an intermediary for communication, while a gateway establishes the communication.

Summary

Forward Proxy, Reverse Proxy, and Gateway servers differ in their placement and whether they act as intermediaries or controllers of communication.

References

• What are the differences between Reverse Proxy and Forward Proxy?
• What are the differences between Proxy and Gateway?
• What are the differences between Reverse Proxy and Forward Proxy?
• What are the differences between Reverse Proxy and Proxy? How do each server work?
• What is a Proxy? Explanation of Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy mechanisms
• A simple explanation of the differences between Reverse Proxy and Forward Proxy
• What is a Reverse Proxy? | Explanation of Proxy Servers
• Differences between Reverse Proxy and Proxy, their mechanisms and roles
• Reverse Proxy 【reverse proxy】 Reverse Proxy Server / RP Server
• Gateway 【gateway】 GW
• Detailed explanation of the basics and use cases of gateways
• What is a Proxy Server? Overview, roles, and benefits explained