Networking

Understanding CIDR Notation in IP Addresses The Problem It Solves You know that devices on a network have IP addresses like 192.168.1.5, right? Each device gets its own unique address so data knows where to go. Now, here’s the real-world problem that CIDR notation solves: Imagine you’re setting up a home network with 10 devices. You need to tell your router: “These 10 IP addresses all belong to MY network, and everything else is outside my network.” ...

Proxy vs Reverse Proxy A proxy is a middle server that acts on someone’s behalf. It forwards requests and responses instead of letting the two parties talk directly. Forward Proxy Stands in for: the client Flow: Client → proxy → internet Purpose: hides the user, controls access, adds privacy or caching Example: a company proxy that filters employee web traffic Reverse Proxy Stands in for: the server Flow: Client → reverse proxy → backend servers Purpose: hides servers, balances load, adds security, handles SSL Example: Nginx receiving requests before passing them to app servers The “Stands In” Idea Forward proxy = pretends to be the client Reverse proxy = pretends to be the server Final takeaway: ...