A forward proxy is a type of proxy server that acts as an intermediary between a client and a server. It is called a "forward" proxy because it forwards client requests to the appropriate server on behalf of the client.

Forward proxies are often used in corporate networks to enforce Internet usage policies, block unwanted websites, and provide additional security. They can also be used to improve Internet performance by caching frequently requested content, such as popular videos or images.

Forward proxies can be configured in a number of ways. They can be configured to allow all client requests to pass through, or they can be configured to block certain types of requests based on criteria such as the destination website or the client's IP address. They can also be configured to encrypt client requests for added security.