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2025-10 – 2026-05 · Architecture & Operations

Reverse Proxy for db.mensa.de

Built and operating a reverse proxy in front of the member database (db.mensa.de) of Mensa in Deutschland e.V., with a controlled migration to the target solution, shorter load times, and noticeably reduced backend load.

Overview

I placed a reverse proxy in front of the member database at db.mensa.de. It permanently handles the optimisation and protection of all incoming requests, with a noticeable effect on availability and load times for users as well as on the load of the backend system.

Responsibilities

Proof of concept

Standing up a demo system to validate the approach before the production rollout.

Operations and migration

Hosting and configuring the production system and steering a controlled migration to the target solution, in close coordination with stakeholders and backend developers.

Request optimisation

Cutting load times for users, fending off illegitimate requests, and reducing backend load. The lighter backend load speeds up user requests further.

Stack

Nginx, Linux server on Hetzner.