A reverse proxy server sits between a web host’s servers and the internet, forwarding client requests to the servers and sending data back to clients. It can cache static data, distribute loads across multiple servers, accelerate SSL encryption, and provide additional security against attacks.
A reverse proxy server is a device that a web host can place between its servers and the internet to handle client requests. When this type of configuration is used, clients making reverse proxy requests see it as a normal server. The reverse proxy server forwards all the requests to the actual servers and then sends the data back to the clients. This can provide additional security for the web host, speed up content delivery, or lighten the load on web servers. Another use for these devices is referred to as spoon feeding, as it allows the web server to quickly generate a dynamic page and send the whole thing to the proxy server, which can then deliver it piece by piece to the client.
A common use of reverse proxies is to cache static data. When one of these proxies receives a request for static content, such as images, sound or video, it caches the data before sending it to the client. The next time this information is requested, the caching reverse proxy can simply deliver it directly to the client instead of forwarding the request to the actual web server. This can offload some of the normal server load, freeing it up to generate dynamic content.
You can also increase performance by using a reverse proxy server to distribute loads across multiple web servers. Incoming client requests go to the proxy first and are then distributed based on server load or request type. The least busy server or the one designed to handle that particular request can then generate the necessary data.
It is also possible for a reverse proxy server to accelerate Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. In these cases, the web server will deliver the content to the proxy, which then encrypts itself. By offloading the encryption duties to the proxy, more processing power is freed up on the web server to service requests for content. The proxy server may also have SSL acceleration hardware installed, which can further speed up the process.
Another use of a reverse proxy server is to create additional security between a web host and the internet. When malicious action is taken against a web host that uses a reverse proxy server, it will tend to take the brunt of the attack. This can allow the normal server to remain unharmed, as any malware or other unwanted code could reside on the proxy instead. Application layer firewalls can also be installed over reverse proxies, which can help defend against incoming attacks.
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