# Reverse Proxy Using nginx

# Prerequisites

A running web application on port 3000
If using a virtual machine, port 80 is forwarded

# Install nginx

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y nginx

You should be able to visit http://localhost and see the "Welcome to nginx!" page.

# Configure nginx

Edit the nginx configuration file at /etc/nginx/sites-available/default.

Replace the location / block with the following:

location / {
  proxy_pass http://localhost:3000;
  proxy_http_version 1.1;
  proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
  proxy_set_header Connection 'upgrade';
  proxy_set_header Host $host;
  proxy_cache_bypass $http_upgrade;
}

Save and quit editing the file.

Test the new nginx configuration

sudo nginx -t

If successful, restart the nginx service to apply the changes.

sudo systemctl restart nginx

In your web browser, visit http://[your server's IP address/hostname]. You should see your Node.js app.

If you're using a virtual machine, are working from the host machine, and you have port 80 forwarded, you can visit http://localhost.

All requests to the web application should go through port 80 (or 443 if you set up HTTPS/SSL later). However, the application is still listening on port 3000. Use a firewall to block external requests to port 3000. See separate guide.