Difference between Forward Proxy and Reverse Proxy (Sun documentation)

Forward Proxy Scenario

A forward proxy provides internal clients access through a firewall to resources on the Internet. This service is often provided as part of a larger intranet security strategy. Forward proxying allows clients to access resources outside of the firewall without compromising the integrity of the private network.

A forward proxy can be configured to keep copies of content within their local cache. Subsequent requests for that content can then be serviced from the local cache rather than obtaining it from the origin server. Caching increases performance by decreasing the time it takes to traverse the network.

Most proxy servers have the capability to filter requests from users. Administrators can choose to limit access to certain resources that may not be appropriate for the workplace and therefore deny such access.

In a forward proxy scenario, the client is aware of the proxy server and is configured to use it for various requests. The firewall can then be configured to only allow certain traffic from the proxy server rather than permitting such access to all internal clients.

Reverse Proxy Scenario

A proxy server can also provide external clients with access to internal resources the reside behind the corporate firewall. When a proxy server is used to handle connections into a private network, the process is called reverse proxying. The term, reverse, refers to the fact that traffic flows in the opposite direction than normal proxy traffic flow.

While forward proxies are best used to filter content, increase performance, and log user accesses, reverse proxies provide these benefits and more. A reverse proxy may be used to load balance across multiple servers, provide fail-over capabilities, and provide access to corporate resources in a safe and secure manner.

In a reverse proxy scenario, the client is not even aware that it is using a proxy server. This is one of the key differences between a forward and reverse proxy server scenario.

(Copied from the source : http://docs.sun.com/app/docs/doc/819-3709/6n5tmc1bv?a=view )

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