How to Set Up Nginx as a Reverse Proxy for Apache on Ubuntu | Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction:

Are you looking to optimize your server’s performance and strengthen website security? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to set up Nginx as a reverse proxy for Apache on Ubuntu. By the end, you’ll have a robust and efficient server configuration that enhances your website’s user experience. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Install NGINX and Apache

• Update the package lists on your Ubuntu server: sudo apt update
• Install NGINX: sudo apt install nginx
• Install Apache: sudo apt install apache2

Step 2: Configure Apache

• Create a new Apache configuration file:
  sudo nano /etc/apache2/conf-available/reverse-proxy.conf

• Add the following content to the file:

ProxyPass / http://localhost:8080/
ProxyPassReverse / http://localhost:8080/

• Save and close the file.
• Enable the Apache proxy modules: sudo a2enmod proxy proxy_http
• Enable the reverse proxy configuration: sudo a2enconf reverse-proxy
• Restart Apache: sudo systemctl restart apache2

Step 3: Configure NGINX

• Open the NGINX default configuration file:
  sudo nano /etc/nginx/sites-available/default
• Replace the existing contents with the following configuration:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name your_domain.com; # Replace with your domain name

    location / {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:8080;
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;
    }
}

• Save and close the file.
• Test the NGINX configuration:
  sudo nginx -t
• If the configuration test is successful, reload NGINX:
  sudo systemctl reload nginx

Step 4: Firewall Configuration

• If you have a firewall enabled, you’ll need to allow incoming HTTP traffic through the firewall:
  sudo ufw allow ‘Nginx HTTP’

That’s it! NGINX is now set up as a reverse proxy for Apache. Incoming requests to NGINX will be forwarded to Apache, which will handle the actual web server functionality.

Make sure to replace your_domain.com with your actual domain name or server IP address. Additionally, ensure that Apache is running on port 8080, or modify the configurations accordingly if it is running on a different port.