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X-Forwarded-For

Overview​

The X-Forwarded setting is used to enable forwarding of client-related information through HTTP headers when requests pass through a proxy or load balancer.

Configuration Details​

  • X-Forwarded Option: This setting controls whether X-Forwarded headers are added to incoming requests before they are forwarded to backend servers.
  • Enable Button: Clicking the Enable button activates the X-Forwarded feature. Once enabled, the system begins appending relevant headers to each request.

Functionality​

When enabled, the load balancer or proxy includes headers such as:

  • X-Forwarded-For → Original client IP address
  • X-Forwarded-Proto → Protocol used (HTTP/HTTPS)
  • X-Forwarded-Port → Original request port

These headers allow backend applications to identify the true client details, even when traffic passes through intermediaries.

Use Cases​

  • Logging the real client IP instead of proxy IP
  • Enabling accurate request tracking and auditing
  • Supporting applications that depend on protocol or client origin

Recommendation​

It is recommended to enable X-Forwarded headers in environments using proxies or load balancers to ensure accurate client information is preserved.

How to Enable X-Forwarded-For​

  1. Navigate to TCP Config.
    Click on TCP Config from the left navigation menu.
Add udp Server
  1. Locate the required Frontend server from the list you want to enable X-Forwarded-For.
  2. In the frontend server configuration panel, locate the X-Forwarded-For option.
Add udp Server
  1. Click on Enable button to enable the X-Forwarded-For.
Add udp Server
  1. A confirmation popup message appears to confirm that the X-Forwarded-For is enabled.
Add udp Server

Once enabled, all incoming HTTP/HTTPS traffic will preserve the header white forwarding to the backend servers.