SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
Functionality:
- SMTP is a protocol used for sending emails. It operates primarily in a push model,
where emails are pushed from the sender's email client to the mail server and then
from the mail server to the recipient's server.
Port:
- Port 25 is the standard port used by SMTP for email transmission. It is important for
setting up email servers to communicate with each other.
POP (Post Office Protocol)
Functionality:
- POP is used for retrieving emails from a mail server. It follows a pull model where
emails are pulled from the server to the client's device. POP allows users to download
emails from the server to their local device, which can then be accessed offline.
Versions and Ports:
- POP3: The third version of the protocol and the most commonly used one.
- Port 110 is the default port for POP3, allowing unencrypted access to the email server.
- Port 995 is used for secure connections (POP3S), ensuring that emails are encrypted
during transfer.
MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions)
Purpose:
- MIME is an extension to the email protocol that allows for the transfer of different
types of data, such as images, audio, and video, in addition to plain text. It helps in
sending multimedia content via emails.
Asst. Prof Amit Ray
Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is synchronous, meaning it requires a constant connection
for data exchange.
- SMTP & POP can be both synchronous and asynchronous, allowing them to handle
email communication efficiently even with intermittent connectivity.
Key Takeaways:
- SMTP is essential for sending emails, while POP is used for receiving them.
- Secure connections for retrieving emails are facilitated through POP3S on Port 995.
- MIME expands the capabilities of email by allowing multimedia attachments,
making email communication more versatile.
** These protocols are foundational to how email systems operate, ensuring reliable
and efficient transfer of messages across the internet.
Sender mail Receiver mail server e.g.
server e.g. gmail outlook server MUA
server
e.g. outlook,
MDA Gmail,
MUA MSA Mail Box yahoo mail
e.g. outlook, SMTP
Gmail,
yahoo mail SMTP
MTA POP3/MAP
MTA POP3/MAP
server
Asst. Prof Amit Ray
