Proxy Server

Overview

On a DreamHost Virtual Private Server (VPS) or Dedicated Server, you may configure a Proxy Server. You can configure it on the Proxy page in the DreamHost panel.

Technical details

The Proxy Server feature is a reverse proxy using Apache mod_proxy.

mod_proxy forwards requests that Apache receives on to another running process through a specific port. You can only forward requests to daemons bound to all hosts, and only on ports above 8000.

Daemon processes

A daemon process is a server process that listens for communication from remote clients. For example, the Apache Web server is a daemon that listens for TCP socket connections from Web browser client applications. Some servers, such as TeamSpeak or game servers, might also listen for UDP packets.

A DreamHost VPS (or Dedicated Server) account permits you to run daemon server processes. They are limited to the server resources (CPU/RAM) you pay for. This differs from a Shared Hosting plan, where these processes could adversely affect other users on the same server.

Daemon processes that bind to a port (on which they listen for incoming connections) are visible from the Internet. DreamHost does not employ any sort of firewall or port blocking on its network.

Setting up a Proxy Server Port

Enter the following values in the DreamHost panel:

  1. Launch your daemon process, bound to a port between 8000 and 65535.
  2. Visit the Proxy page.
    proxy domain
  3. Under "Set Up A Proxy Server Port"
    • URL to set up Proxy under: Enter the portion of your domain that will have the proxied service.

      The text field to the right of the domain will display /url/to/proxy/ when you load this page. Make sure to clear that text from the field, or enter a subdirectory of your site.

    • Port Number to Proxy: Enter the port # you configured your app to use.
  4. Click the Add Proxy Server button.

See also

Did this article answer your questions?

Article last updated PST.

Still not finding what you're looking for?