Top Reverse Proxy Tools
A reverse proxy is a critical component in modern web infrastructure that sits between client devices and backend servers to manage, secure, and optimize traffic. It provides key functionalities such as load balancing, SSL termination, caching, security filtering, application firewalling (via WAF), global server load balancing, URL rewriting, rate limiting, and protocol translation. Reverse proxies enhance application performance, scalability, and security while simplifying authentication and traffic management. Popular tools like NGINX, HAProxy, Traefik, Envoy, and managed services like AWS ALB and Azure Gateway cater to various use cases—from microservices and containerized apps to enterprise-grade security. As architectures evolve, reverse proxies are becoming more intelligent, integrated into service meshes, edge-focused, and AI-enhanced for real-time traffic optimization and threat detection, making them indispensable for delivering reliable, scalable, and secure digital experiences.