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How does a reverse proxy work?
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A client connects to the public address for a website or service. In Cloudflare’s documented setup, HTTP and HTTPS requests for DNS records marked as proxied pass through Cloudflare on their way to the origin server. Cloudflare explains how DNS proxy status routes traffic.
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The proxy chooses an upstream server or follows a configured route. NGINX, for example, can send a request to a specified proxy server, retrieve its response, and return that response to the client. NGINX documents its reverse-proxy configuration.
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The proxy may adjust request headers, buffer the backend response, or communicate with the backend using a supported protocol. NGINX documents proxying for HTTP as well as FastCGI, uwsgi, SCGI, and memcached.
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The client receives a response from the public-facing service. Depending on the setup, the proxy may have forwarded the request to the origin, returned eligible cached content, or handled the request another way.
DNS is not part of every reverse proxy’s operation in the same way. The Cloudflare example relies on its DNS proxy status; self-managed software such as NGINX is configured to send requests to upstream servers.
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What is a reverse proxy server used for?
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Load balancing: Distributing incoming requests among backend servers. Some configurations can route traffic to another server when one is unavailable.
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Caching: Serving eligible content, such as static images, from stored copies so that every request does not have to reach the origin. What is cached depends on the product and its configuration.
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TLS handling: Decrypting incoming TLS traffic and, where configured, encrypting traffic toward the client. This can reduce cryptographic work at the origin in deployments designed for that arrangement.
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Origin shielding: Keeping the origin address out of the ordinary client-facing route can make direct targeting harder. It does not, on its own, establish that the origin is unreachable or fully protected.
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Request and response handling: Modifying headers or buffering responses. NGINX notes that buffering can allow an upstream server to finish processing a response while the proxy serves a slower client.
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Compression and authentication: These are among the use cases MDN lists for reverse proxies; their availability and behavior depend on the implementation.
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These are possible functions, not guaranteed features of every reverse proxy. Confirm that the chosen product and configuration support the work you need it to do. MDN describes proxy servers and their uses.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How is a reverse proxy different from a forward proxy?
| Proxy type | Whom it represents | Where it sits | Typical traffic direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward proxy | Clients or requesting hosts | Between clients and the services they access | Outbound requests from clients |
| Reverse proxy | Backend or origin servers | In front of servers receiving requests | Inbound requests to a service |
The key distinction is which side the proxy serves: a forward proxy acts for clients, while a reverse proxy handles requests on behalf of servers. MDN’s guide explains the distinction.
Managed service or self-managed proxy?
A managed edge service and self-managed proxy software are different deployment models, not interchangeable guarantees. A managed service may route traffic through its network when the relevant DNS records are configured for proxying. With self-managed software, the operator configures upstream destinations and controls such behavior as headers and buffering.
Before choosing, establish the actual traffic path and who will operate it. Check the required features, whether clients can still reach the origin directly, and whether the proxy supports the backend protocols your service uses. NGINX documents HTTP, FastCGI, uwsgi, SCGI, and memcached proxying; compatibility should be verified for the intended configuration.
What a reverse proxy does not guarantee
The label alone does not guarantee better security, faster responses, continuous availability, or correct load distribution. Those outcomes depend on the implementation, policies, DNS and network setup, and configuration. For instance, routing HTTP and HTTPS through a managed network applies to the documented proxied-record setup; it is not a universal property of reverse proxies. Cloudflare’s explanation of that setup was updated April 20, 2026: Cloudflare DNS proxy status.
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