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a) Z has a large web site that millions of people want to see, but a single web server cannot handle all the traffic.1) Z wants to force all traffic to its web site to pass through Y first.Reasons why Z would want to set up a reverse proxy server: The client X thinks he is only communicating with Y ( X -> Y), but the reality is that Y forwarding all communication ( X -> Y -> Z again). A reverse proxy requires no (proxy) configuration on the client side. The server Z is invisible to clients and only the reverse proxy Y is visible externally. What is different this time compared to a "forward proxy," is that this time the user X does not know he is accessing Z, because the user X only sees he is communicating with Y. So, as before, we have data being retrieved by Y -> Z on behalf of X, which chains as follows: X -> Y -> Z. However, in some scenarios, it is better for the administrator of Z to restrict or disallow direct access and force visitors to go through Y first. REVERSE proxy A tale of 3 computers (part II)įor this example, I will list three computers connected to the internet.
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The administrator of Z has noticed hacking attempts coming from X, so the administrator has decided to block X's IP address (and/or netrange). The Storm Worm virus is spreading by tricking people into visiting, so the system administrator has blocked access to the site to prevent users from inadvertently infecting themselves.Įmployees at a large company have been wasting too much time on, so management wants access blocked during business hours.Ī local elementary school disallows internet access to the website.Ī government is unable to control the publishing of news, so it controls access to news instead, by blocking sites such as. Here is a (very) partial list of uses of a forward proxy server:Ī) Someone with administrative authority over X's internet connection has decided to block all access to site Z. Reasons why X would want to use a forward proxy server: However, in some scenarios, it is better for Y -> Z on behalf of X, Z = the web site you want to visit, Normally, one would connect directly from X -> Z.
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