How to Configure Mod_Proxy

Mod_proxy is the Apache module that allows the Apache web server to be used as a proxy server. The mod_proxy module allows you to create a forward or reverse proxy. A forward proxy accepts the request from the client, passes the request to the origin server and then passes the content back to the client server. A reverse proxy accepts requests as a regular web server, passes the request to an anonymous origin server then passes the content back as if the proxy was the origin server.

Instructions

1. Open the httpd.conf file in a text editor. Linux/Unix users will find this file at "/etc/httpd/httpd.conf." Windows users will find this file at "C:\Program Files\Apache Group\Apache2\conf\httpd.conf."

2. Add the lines "LoadModule proxy_module /usr/lib/apache2/modules/mod_proxy.so" and "LoadModule proxy_http_module /usr/lib/apache2/modules/mod_proxy_http.so" in the LoadModule directive section. This will load the appropriate mod_proxy modules. Change the path to the .so files to reflect your system.

3. Type the following lines in the main section of the configuration file:
   ProxyRequests On
   ProxyVia On
   <Proxy *>
   Order deny,allow
   Deny from all
   Allow from internal.example.com
   </Proxy>
   This will create a Forward Proxy.

4. Save and close the httpd.conf file.

5. Restart the Apache server.

References

• Mod_Proxy
• Using Apache with mod_proxy
• Configuring Apache mod_proxy with Jetty

Resources

• Mod_Proxy
• Apache HTTP Server