What Is a Proxy? Forward, Reverse, and Transparent Proxies
·1 min read·171 words
A proxy is an intermediary that processes network requests between a client and a server. It is used for anonymization, caching, filtering, load balancing, and SSL termination. The 3 main types are forward proxies (outbound internet access), reverse proxies (inbound service access), and transparent proxies.
Types
Forward Proxy
- Internal clients → proxy → Internet
- Uses: web filtering, caching, logging, and anonymization
- Examples: Squid, BlueCoat, Cisco WSA
Reverse Proxy
- Internet → proxy → internal servers
- Uses: SSL termination, LB, web caching, and WAF
- Examples: NGINX, HAProxy, Apache, Cloudflare, F5
Transparent Proxy
- No client configuration required (interception)
- Traffic is routed using policy-based routing or WCCP
- Uses: ISP filtering and FW interception
SWG (Secure Web Gateway)
The modern evolution of the forward proxy:
- URL filtering with ML
- Threat detection
- DLP
- Cloud application visibility
- Vendors: Zscaler, Netskope, Symantec (Broadcom), Palo Alto Prisma Access
Modern Features
- SSL decryption
- Authentication (AD integration)
- Bandwidth control
- Compression
- Caching
- Analytics and reporting
Order from OPTINOC
Forward and reverse proxies: Squid, NGINX, and F5. Migration to SWG/SASE. Quote within 48 hours.