What is a Forward Proxy?
A forward proxy is a device or software placed between an internal network (such as within a company) and the internet. It acts as an intermediary on behalf of internal computers (clients) that should not have direct access to the internet due to security concerns. Internal network clients use the forward proxy to connect to servers on the internet. From the perspective of the internet, the forward proxy appears to be the client.
Forward proxies are used not only for secure communication with the internet but also for purposes such as blocking access to undesirable websites (filtering) and enabling faster access by caching content. Content retrieved from external servers can be stored in the forward proxy’s cache, enabling quicker responses when subsequent requests for the same content are made.
Conversely, a "reverse proxy" is a type of proxy that relays requests from external networks to servers within an internal network. Reverse proxies are utilized for purposes like ensuring security and enabling load balancing. Generally, when referring to "proxies," the term commonly refers to forward proxies.
While typical forward proxies are designed for use by internal network clients, there are forward proxies deployed on the internet that are accessible to the public. These are referred to as “public proxies.”