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Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is an application layer protocol used for exchanging email messages
between servers. It is essential in the email communication process and operates at the application layer of
the TCP/IP stack.
To send an email, the client opens a TCP connection to the SMTP server. The server, which is always listening
on port 25, initiates the connection as soon as it detects a client. Once the TCP connection is established, the
client sends the email across the connection.
SMTP
Types of SMTP Protocol
The SMTP model supports two types of email delivery methods: end-to-end and store-and-forward.
End-to-end delivery is used between organizations. In this method, the email is sent directly from the
sender's SMTP client to the recipient's SMTP server without passing through intermediate servers.
Store-and-forward is used within organizations that have TCP/IP and SMTP-based networks. In this
method, the email may pass through several intermediate servers (Message Transfer Agents, or
MTAs) before reaching the recipient.
With end-to-end delivery, the SMTP client waits until the email is successfully copied to the recipient's SMTP
server before sending it. This is different from the store-and-forward method, where the email might stop at
multiple intermediate servers before reaching its destination. In store-and-forward systems, the sender is
notified as soon as the email reaches the first server, not the final destination.
SMTP.com is a platform that caters to all your transaction, email relay and email delivery needs at a very
affordable price. With decades of experience, SMTP.com is regarded as the most trusted sender in the industry
by ISPs. SMTP.com had been trusted by over 100,000 customers over the years. SMTP.com is extremely
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intuitive and easy to set up. It can be integrated seamlessly into your current business system. If you need to
migrate from another provider, SMTP.com make it effortless.
Features
Dedicated IP
Email API: Integrating SMTP.com with your business can be easy with the email API feature. They
have complete API documentation on their website that can help you integrate your business in just 5
minutes.
24x7 Customer Support: The round-the-clock support is one of the best features of SMTP.com.
Support is available both on the website and also for paid customers. 24x7, all human support is
available for all customers across all plans. No third party is involved and solutions are provided fast
for easy implementation. Online chat support is also available for those who are looking for more
information about SMTP.com
High Volume Sending Solutions: This newly launched feature is great for those businesses who want
to send more than 250 million emails a month. Customized quotations and solutions are available.
Reputation Defender: This is an add-on feature that helps clean up your email lists. It doesn’t need
any integration but actively monitors your lists and provides a report.
Pricing
SMTP.com offers affordable delivery services and caters to all kinds of businesses. Their plans range from $25
to $500 and above. The best part about this platform is that all the features are available in all the plans. The
prices change only based on the volume of emails sent monthly. Even with the lowest price pack, users can get
access to 24x7 customer support and all the SMTP tools. The Reputation Defender for list cleaning is an add-on
feature available for all users.
Model of SMTP System
In the SMTP model user deals with the user agent (UA), for example, Microsoft Outlook, Netscape, Mozilla, etc.
To exchange the mail using TCP, MTA is used. The user sending the mail doesn't have to deal with MTA as it is
the responsibility of the system admin to set up a local MTA. The MTA maintains a small queue of mail so that
it can schedule repeat delivery of mail in case the receiver is not available. The MTA delivers the mail to the
mailboxes and the information can later be downloaded by the user agents.
Components of SMTP
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Mail User Agent (MUA): It is a computer application that helps you in sending and retrieving mail. It is
responsible for creating email messages for transfer to the mail transfer agent(MTA).
Mail Submission Agent (MSA): It is a computer program that receives mail from a Mail User
Agent(MUA) and interacts with the Mail Transfer Agent(MTA) for the transfer of the mail.
Mail Transfer Agent (MTA): It is software that has the work to transfer mail from one system to
another with the help of SMTP.
Mail Delivery Agent (MDA): A mail Delivery agent or Local Delivery Agent is basically a system that
helps in the delivery of mail to the local system.
How does SMTP Work?
1. Sending Email:
When a user wants to send an email, they use a User Agent (UA), like Outlook or Gmail.
The email is handed over to the MTA, which is responsible for transferring the email to the recipient’s
mail server.
2. SMTP Client and Server:
Sender-SMTP (Client): The email sender’s MTA initiates the connection to the recipient’s MTA
(Receiver-SMTP).
Receiver-SMTP (Server): The receiving MTA listens for incoming connections and receives the email
from the sender-SMTP.
This communication happens over TCP port 25.
3. Relays and Gateways:
Relays: In some cases, the email may pass through several intermediate MTAs before reaching the
destination server. These MTAs act as relays.
Gateways: If the sending and receiving systems use different email protocols (e.g., SMTP and non-
SMTP), an email gateway can convert the email to the appropriate format for delivery.
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4. Email Delivery:
The sender’s MTA sends the email to the receiver’s MTA, either directly or through relays.
The MTA uses the SMTP protocol to transfer the message. Once it’s delivered to the destination MTA,
the email is placed in the recipient’s mailbox.
The recipient’s User Agent (UA) can then download the email.
SMTP Envelope
Purpose
The SMTP envelope contains information that guides email delivery between servers.
It is distinct from the email headers and body and is not visible to the email recipient.
Contents of the SMTP Envelope
Sender Address: Specifies where the email originates.
Recipient Addresses: Indicates where the email should be delivered.
Routing Information: Helps servers determine the path for email delivery.
Comparison to Regular Mail
Think of the SMTP envelope as the address on a physical envelope for regular mail.
Just like an envelope guides postal delivery, the SMTP envelope directs email servers on where to
send the email.
SMTP Commands
S.No. Keywor Command form Description Usage
It provides the identification
1. HELO HELO<SP><domain><CRLF> of the sender i.e. the host Mandatory
name.
MAIL<SP>FROM : <reverse- It specifies the originator of
2. MAIL Mandatory
path><CRLF> the mail.
RCPT<SP>TO : <forward- It specifies the recipient of
3. RCPT Mandatory
path><CRLF> mail.
4. DATA DATA<CRLF> It specifies the beginning of Mandatory
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S.No. Keywor Command form Description Usage
the mail.
It closes the TCP
5. QUIT QUIT<CRLF> Mandatory
connection.
It aborts the current mail
Highly
6. RSET RSET<CRLF> transaction but the TCP
recommended
connection remains open.
SMTP Ports
Port 587: This is the most commonly used port for secure SMTP submission using TLS (Transport
Layer Security). It is recommended for client-to-server communication, as it ensures the security of
the email transmission.
Port 465: Previously used for secure SMTP (SMTPS), this port is no longer considered an official
standard and is generally not recommended anymore. Many email providers have moved away from
port 465 in favor of port 587.
Port 25: This port is traditionally used for SMTP relay between mail servers, not for email submission
from clients. It is often blocked by ISPs for outgoing mail due to its frequent use for spam and
malicious activities.
Port 2525: Although not an official SMTP port, it is sometimes used as an alternative for SMTP
submission, especially in cases where port 25 is blocked or restricted. Many email providers support
this port as an alternative for secure communication.
Advantages of SMTP
If necessary, the users can have a dedicated server.
It allows for bulk mailing.
Low cost and wide coverage area.
Offer choices for email tracking.
Reliable and prompt email delivery.
Disadvantages of SMTP
SMTP's common port can be blocked by several firewalls.
SMTP security is a bigger problem.
Its simplicity restricts how useful it can be.
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Just 7-bit ASCII characters can be used.
If a message is longer than a certain length, SMTP servers may reject the entire message.
Delivering your message will typically involve additional back-and-forth processing between servers,
which will delay sending and raise the likelihood that it won't be sent.
