Reverse Proxy

A reverse proxy, also known as a surrogate, is typically used in front of a web server. All internet connections addressed to a web server are routed through a proxy server. The proxy server may handle a request, partially pass a request or pass a request in it’s entirety to the primary web servers. A reverse proxy will dispatch all inbound network traffic to a cluster of servers while presenting a single interface to the user. In contrast, a forward proxy functions as a dispatcher for outbound network traffic. For instance, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) may use a proxy to forward HTTP traffic from a client to an external server on the web. The primary reasons for installing a reverse proxy server include: Security - it may provide an additional layer of protection when separating or concealing the actual server behind the reverse proxy. Encryption - a reverse proxy is often equipped with hardware that enables SSL acceleration. Cache - a reverse proxy has the ability to offload a web server by caching static content. This is a factor that satisfies a decent amount of website requests and tremendously reduces the load on a primary web server.