What Is a Reverse Proxy?
A reverse proxy is a server that sits between users and a website or web application. Instead of users connecting directly to the origin server, they connect to the reverse proxy first. The proxy then forwards requests to the appropriate server behind the scenes. This setup improves security, performance, and how traffic is managed.
How a Reverse Proxy Works
When a user visits a website protected by a reverse proxy, their request goes to the proxy server instead of the website’s actual server. The proxy processes the request, communicates with the origin server, retrieves the needed data, and sends it back to the user. This hides the internal server details and adds an extra layer of control and filtering.
Key Benefits of Using a Reverse Proxy
- Improved Security: Hides the real server’s IP address and filters malicious traffic.
- Load Balancing: Distributes incoming traffic across multiple servers to prevent overload.
- Caching: Stores copies of frequently accessed content to deliver pages faster.
- SSL Management: Handles encryption and decryption without burdening the origin server.
Common Uses of Reverse Proxies
- Protecting Internal Servers: Keeps origin server details hidden from public access.
- Speeding Up Websites: Delivers cached content quickly to users.
- Handling High Traffic: Ensures stability during traffic spikes by balancing load.
- Supporting Microservices: Routes requests to different services inside a complex system.
Why Reverse Proxies Matter
Reverse proxies play a crucial role in modern web infrastructure. They protect servers from attacks, help websites handle large amounts of traffic, and ensure users get fast, reliable access to online services. Companies like Cloudflare, Nginx, and Apache often use reverse proxy setups to keep websites secure and running smoothly.
The Simple Takeaway
A reverse proxy is a middle-layer server that boosts security, speed, and reliability by managing traffic between users and the origin servers.