Proxy and HTTPS setup for Confluence

Many customers choose to run Confluence behind a reverse proxy, often with HTTPS enabled. Getting your proxy configuration right is essential, to avoid problems later when using Confluence. 

Proxy and HTTPS access are both configured in Tomcat, Confluence's application server. 

Sample connectors

To make setup and configuration as straightforward as possible, we've provided a number of sample connectors in the Tomcat <install-directory>/conf/server.xml file.  

Sample connectorDescription
DEFAULT - Direct connector with no proxy, for unproxied HTTP access to Confluence

This is the default option. Use this option when you don't have a reverse proxy and are not enabling HTTPS. 

HTTP - Proxying Confluence via Apache or Nginx over HTTPChoose this option if you have a reverse proxy, but are not enabling HTTPS. 
HTTPS - Direct connector with no proxy, for unproxied HTTPS access to Confluence.Choose this option if you want to use HTTPS without a reverse proxy. HTTPS will be terminated at Tomcat. 
HTTPS - Proxying Confluence via Apache or Nginx over HTTPSUse this option when you want to use a reverse proxy and enable HTTPS. This is the most common configuration.

We only provide HTTP/HTTPS connector examples. You can't use the AJP connector (for example, with Apache mod_jk), as Synchrony, which is required for collaborative editing, can't accept AJP connections. 

If you plan to use collaborative editing, there are a number of proxy and SSL considerations you'll need to take into account when deciding the best way to configure your proxy. 

Step-by-step guides

In addition to the sample connectors, we also provide a number of step-by-step guides to help you enable HTTPS and configure your proxy correctly.  

HTTPS:

Reverse proxy:

Outbound proxy:


Although we provide guides for some third-party solutions, and mention Apache and Nginx in the server.xml file, you can choose your own proxy solution.

Atlassian Support can't provide assistance with configuring third-party tools like NGINX, Apache, or IIS. If you have questions, check your proxy server's documentation, ask the Atlassian Community, or get help from a Solution Partner.

Last modified on Oct 11, 2021

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