When it comes to HTTP proxies, there are a few different distinctions that we should make:

• Forward proxies: This is the most common example of proxies. It is the example we used in the explanation of what a proxy is. Forward proxies are the ones where the client sends a request to the proxy and the proxy fetches the resource on their behalf. In this case, the user chooses to, or is forced to, use a proxy in a company. The user knows that a proxy is being used, but the server doesn't:

• Reverse proxies: These are proxies used by companies in order to hide behind network architecture or when they need to distribute the load between real servers. The user thinks they are connecting to the real server, but they are connecting to a proxy that will handle the request:

• Transparent proxies: These intercept normal communications at the network layer without requiring any configuration on the client side. Usually, clients do not know they are using a transparent proxy. Transparent proxies usually do not modify requests and responses. They are commonly used by ISPs in order to provide faster responses to their customers. The proxy acts as a router or gateway: