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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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