IIS config to host application from other server

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To host an application from another server using Internet Information Services (IIS) on Windows, you can set up a reverse proxy configuration. A reverse proxy forwards requests from the IIS server to the application server where the application is actually hosted. This way, the application server can remain hidden from external clients, and IIS acts as an intermediary between clients and the application.

Here's a step-by-step guide to configure IIS as a reverse proxy to host an application from another server:

  1. Install IIS:

    If you haven't already, install Internet Information Services (IIS) on the Windows server that will act as the reverse proxy. You can do this by following these steps:

    • Open "Server Manager."
    • Click on "Add roles and features."
    • Select the "Web Server (IIS)" role and proceed with the installation.

  2. Enable Proxy and URL Rewrite Modules:

    The reverse proxy functionality in IIS requires the Proxy and URL Rewrite modules. Make sure these modules are enabled on the IIS server:

    • Open "Server Manager."
    • Go to "Roles and Features" > "Web Server (IIS)" > "Web Server" > "Application Development."
    • Check the boxes for "HTTP Proxy" and "URL Rewrite."

  3. Configure URL Rewrite:

    The URL Rewrite module is used to define the reverse proxy rules. Here's how to configure it:

    • Open IIS Manager.
    • Select your server node in the Connections pane.
    • Double-click on "URL Rewrite" in the IIS section.
    • In the Actions pane, click on "Add Rule(s)" to create a new rule.

  4. Create a Reverse Proxy Rule:

    • Choose the "Reverse Proxy" template from the Inbound and Outbound Rules section.

    • In the "Add Reverse Proxy Rule" dialog, provide the following details:

      • Inbound Rule: Choose "Wildcard" or "URL" as appropriate for your scenario.
      • Pattern: Specify the URL pattern you want to use to access the application on the IIS server.
      • Action Type: Choose "Rewrite" or "Redirect" as needed.
      • Rewrite URL: Enter the URL of the application server where the application is hosted.

    • Click "OK" to save the rule.

  5. Apply Changes:

    After creating the reverse proxy rule, apply the changes to the IIS server.

  6. Test the Configuration:

    Test the configuration by accessing the application using the URL pattern defined in the reverse proxy rule. The requests should now be forwarded to the application server, and the application's response will be returned to the clients through IIS.

By configuring IIS as a reverse proxy, you can host an application from another server while providing a clean URL and maintaining the separation of the application server from external clients.