# Zabbix Proxy Design

## Purpose

Zabbix proxies reduce dependency on direct connectivity between the central server and monitored hosts. They are useful for client networks, segmented environments, remote sites, and maintenance windows.

## Active Proxy

- Proxy connects to the Zabbix server.
- Good for restricted networks where inbound access to the proxy is not allowed.
- Hosts can use active agent checks against the proxy.
- Main operational checks: proxy last seen, delayed values, local DB size, config sync.

## Passive Proxy

- Zabbix server connects to the proxy.
- Useful when central server can reach the proxy network.
- Requires firewall rules from server to proxy.
- Main operational checks: proxy listener, network latency, poller load.

## Operational Signals

- Proxy queue growth.
- Unsupported items after template changes.
- Agent unreachable or active checks delayed.
- Proxy DB growth during WAN outage.
- Config sync failures after maintenance.