Imagine you’re a bouncer for a trendy nightclub. In this case, he is not preventing rowdy members from destroying the dancefloor but instead he manages your traffic. A Reverse proxy works in a similar way, only with less sophistication and without the bassy beats.
Imagine that your website is getting lots of traffic. Like an ant swarm on a piece of sugar. While it may be thrilling, you could end up with headaches in abundance. In reverse proxies, they distribute the traffic across many servers. As if they were load balancers for a parquet-style dance floor, reverse proxy servers keep things moving smoothly by routing each dancing visitor to the most appropriate section of the polished hardwood.
Then you may ask yourself: “Why would I use a server-direct access when I don’t need a reverse proxy?” Like deciding whether to eat a sandwich on or off a dish. If you do, then it is likely to be messy.
A reverse proxy masks your servers’ identity. The proxy acts like an agent, hiding its true location. This anonymity improves security as it makes it more difficult to find and target servers. In a clever disguise, your server could be Moriarty if the hacker is Sherlock Holmes.
In addition, SSL termination plays an important part in their role. The servers can then handle the decryption before they reach the client, allowing them to avoid being overloaded. You can have your wingman help decrypt the text you received from your crush.
Caching is also important. Imagine your site delivers lots of static images, video, or cat GIFs. This common content can be delivered by reverse proxy using cached requests. Instead of endlessly bugging the server, users get content much faster. You can think of it as having the same delicious food again.
Also, in terms of data compression, reverse proxy software can compress the information. The data is compressed, making the travel easier. If you zip the load down it will be quicker to download.
Another trick is web acceleration. In this case, the reverse proxy does not send all data at once but rather in small chunks. You can think of reverse proxy as a juggler hurling balls to keep the audience interested without being overwhelmed.
Here’s another neat feature. Reverse proxies are very good at splitting service. Imagine a restaurant in which one waiter manages appetizers, another takes care of main dishes, and yet another clears tables. A smooth dining experience is created. The reverse proxy allows your server to take on manageable, light tasks as opposed to a chaotic buffet.
The advanced configurations enable businesses to scale rapidly. The new servers will be able to handle the traffic surge. The backyard can grow as needed. The party can go on as long as you pitch a couple of tents.
The story of a company, which we will refer to as ‘Widget Wonders,’ is worth telling. They experienced a surge in traffic because of a viral message. It was like having a car stuck inside a mud puddle. Servers would slow down and drown. After deploying a reverse proxy they were able to zing. As traffic spread, the loading times were also balanced. Widget Wonders, the queen of ecommerce was on display.
Just for a second, let’s be a little more technical. While reverse proxies usually work with HTTP(S) protocols, forward proxies typically use SOCKS protocols. Let the jargon not confuse you. These proxies can deal with a large amount of web traffic.
Think of reverse proxy the next time you think about improving your webserver architecture. A reverse proxy can serve as an unsung hero, valiant knight or seasoned bouncer.