What is a Reverse Proxy?
A reverse proxy sits between client devices and backend servers, intercepting requests and forwarding them to the appropriate server. Unlike a forward proxy that protects clients, a reverse proxy protects and optimizes servers.
Key Benefits
- Security: Hides backend server details from clients
- Load Balancing: Distributes traffic across multiple servers
- Caching: Stores frequently accessed content for faster delivery
- SSL Termination: Handles encryption/decryption at the proxy level
Common Use Cases
- Nginx as a reverse proxy for web applications
- API gateway patterns in microservices
- CDN edge servers