Email Delivery Protocols: SMTP, POP3, and IMAP Explained
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📧 Understanding the Journey of an Email Through SMTP, POP3, and IMAP. When you send an email, protocols like SMTP, POP3, and IMAP work together to ensure its delivery. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) sends the email from your client to the recipient’s server, typically using port 25 or 587 for secure transmission. Once at the destination, POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) allows emails to be downloaded to a single device, while IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) enables access from multiple devices, keeping emails stored on the server. Each protocol operates on specific ports, with POP3 using port 110 or 995 and IMAP using port 143 or 993. Understanding these protocols enhances email management and configuration for users.
