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Using Nginx API gateway with Keycloak

Did you know we can use Keycloak as an authentication and authorization server when we use Nginx is used as an API gateway?

In other words, Nginx hands over the task of user authentication and authorization to Keycloak. In turn, Keycloak will check the user’s credentials and authorize them to access the requested resources.

According to our experts, we have to configure Nginx to use the OpenID Connect protocol to communicate with Keycloak. This includes setting up an OpenID Connect client in Keycloak as well as configuring Nginx to use the corresponding client ID, client secret, and other parameters to authenticate and authorize requests.

Furthermore, using Nginx as an API gateway with Keycloak offers a secure and scalable solution for web applications. This makes it easier to centralize the management of user identities and access control policies. Additionally, it offers a high-performance gateway for routing and processing incoming requests.

How to configure Nginx as an API gateway with Keycloak

1. First, we have to install Nginx and configure it so that it acts as a reverse proxy or API gateway. This includes configuring Nginx to listen for incoming requests and routing them to the right back-end services.
2. Next, we have to install Keycloak.
3. Then, configure Keycloak to manage user authentication and authorization for the web application or API. This includes configuring the Keycloak realm, adding users, and defining access control policies.
4. At this point, we have to configure Nginx to use Keycloak. This is done by setting up an authentication subrequest in Nginx and then configuring it to communicate with Keycloak to verify user credentials and authorize access to protected resources.
5. Now, we have to test the Nginx and Keycloak configurations. This is done by making test requests to the protected resources and ensuring only authorized users are able to access them.

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Conclusion

In summary, our Support Techs demonstrated how to configure Nginx as an API gateway with Keycloak.