What is a proxy server
A proxy server sometimes referred to as a forward proxy, is a server that routes traffic between the client(s) and another system, usually external to the network. Doing so can regulate traffic according to preset policies, convert and mask client IP addresses, enforce security protocols, and block unknown traffic.
What are forward and reverse proxies
Professional businesses, such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often put office computers used by company employees on a single, isolated private network. This isolation protects corporate computers from outside attacks. It also restricts the ability of users to nefariously move data and files out of the protected subnet.
However, it's nearly impossible for employees in a modern workplace to perform their jobs without some level of access to the internet. This is where the forward proxy comes in.
A forward proxy accepts connections from computers on a private network and forwards those requests to the public internet. It is the single point of exit for subnet users who want to access resources outside of their private network.
As the name implies, a reverse proxy is the opposite of a forward proxy. The reverse proxy acts as a single point of entry for external systems to access resources on a private subnet.
In an enterprise architecture, a reverse proxy acts as the public access point for users to access data and information that is stored on servers that reside in a private, isolated subnet.
