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SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol: What is it, how does it work, and how do I use it correctly?

SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol: What is it

Opening or sending an email is a simple task for most of us. However, you should know that for this to happen there is a server-client structure , where there is a user who sends the message and a server who processes and receives it.

For this to happen, the data that make up the email must be transferred, for which the SMTP protocol is used, which means “Simple Mail Transfer Protocol” , where certain rules are executed so that The same can be sent. Needless to say, without this protocol this could not happen.

The technique that exists today has a high quality in terms of sending and personalizing emails, since several of us use it frequently.

What is the SMTP Protocol and what is it for in computer networks?

SMTP is an email transmission system that, like TCP / IP, is integrated into Internet protocols . It is used with the intention that users can receive and send emails.

It is usually used with POP3 , or with the Internet message entry system called «IMAP», which is used to protect messages that are inside the server’s mailbox , and then be able to download them constantly to the server of the target user.

The aforementioned protocol is the norms that are used with the intention that authorize the transmission of information within a computer network, since the SMTP itself is an Internet system.

There are cases where the SMTP is only used for sending emails, because there are some technical limitations to accept them. This makes it necessary for reception to use other types of Internet systems, such as the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) or the Post Office Protocol (POP) .

The foregoing means that when an email is sent the IP address of a spammer is shared , which means that a circumstance occurs where the shipping prestige is damaged, which predominates in the proper delivery of clean emails.

At the moment when the user sends an email using the SMTP protocol, what happens is that the email user, such as: Mozilla Thunderbird or Outlook Express sends a message through a server through the SMTP. This server transports the message to the “Mail Transfer Agent (MTA)” , through the “Domain Name System (DNS)” in order to achieve the “MX record”.

At the moment the message is accepted, it goes to a “Mail Delivery Agent (MDA)”, which may need the SMTP execution again with the intention of being able to deliver to the email server. Therefore, that through «IMAP» the receiving person obtains or retrieves their message in their email account .

What is the most important SMTP server and email services how to use them for free?

Next, we will explain how the SMTP protocol works with the most common email services used by users:

Google Gmail

Gmail

It is a totally free server that is used for those companies or people who do not handle a large volume of emails. It is an excellent option when you need to use Gmail and need to send chain emails .

Gmail itself has a very large space, which is why it is to be trusted when you want to use its services online. But has certain limits , since it only allows one hundred emails to be sent in an estimated time of 24 hours when they want to reproduce using the SMTP protocol. This would result in 3,000 free emails for a period of 1 month.

The amount indicated above may be sufficient when your business is small, since in case you want to raise the fee you will have to cancel the amount charged for the payment service. The information that you send is available anywhere that requires it.

Microsoft Outlook / Hotmail

Actualizar-antiguo-correo-Hotmail-al-nuevo-Microsoft-Outlook

This is one of the most used email services by Windows users, since itself is preinstalled on the systems and helps people to communicate via messages with other people Through the SMTP system, you can also access emails using the POP3 or IMAP protocols.

We must say that it is very complete , since you can enjoy anti-spam filters, shared mailbox, agenda organizer, task organization, contact filter, calendar, search messages and customize it your way . It is also programmed and used to work with the mail protocols you prefer.

Yahoo!

Yahoo

SMTP servers in Yahoo are used in outgoing emails, which means that other types of protocols such as POP or IMAP are also used for your incoming emails . You usually get these protocols in the settings tab where you add the Yahoo account.

These types of Yahoo protocol are available on Google whenever you want. They are also used with much more protection through an additional security layer that is located in your Yahoo account.

That is why when another user wants to access your email it is blocked by this server in case the security you have is not standard. It is important that you know that it is not good for you to activate the option “Less secure applications” , because this can be a danger to your account and your personal information.

It is recommended that before configuring your email you verify very well what each option is for , and thus avoid any inconvenience with your account.

What are the main features of the SMTP network protocol?

Through the years, emails have been a means of communication for Internet users, one of the most used protocols being SMTP which means «Protocol for Simple Mail Transfer» .

Within its essential characteristics we can indicate the following:

  • It has text commands that are very easy to use.
  • It is a network protocol used for electronic messages.
  • It helps users get keep communicated by means of a server, since messages are sent and received.
  • It has lines of text where the instructions of this system are specified.
  • They offer the option of being able to exchange messages of E-mail using “TCP / IP hosts”.
  • It is made up of 3 protocols that are standard and that apply to emails, within which are: the MAIL, DATA and RCPT
  • It can be configured together with other protocols such as: POP3 or IMAP.
  • Sometimes SMTP is only used for outgoing emails, while POP3 or IMAP are used for incoming ones.
  • Through it there is the option to be able to synchronize a Smarthost server.

SMTP vs POP3 Which is better and how do they differ?

Both protocols are used to manage emails on the Internet, but it should be made clear that each one has a different function in the dynamics of sending and receiving emails.

Within the most outstanding differences we have the following:

  • The SMTP is for sending messages; while POP3 runs to receive them.
  • With the SMTP is the server that is sending; and with POP3 is the receiving server.
  • The SMTP sends the email from the sender’s computer to the recipient’s mailbox; while with POP3 you can recover, as well as organize the emails that are inside the recipient’s mailbox to the destination computer.

SMTP vs IMAP Which is better and how is each one different?

In general, emails are stored within the email server that has entered and has not been opened by the user.

Now, when the user sends a message, it goes up to the outgoing mail server using the SMTP protocol and immediately goes to the recipient’s inbox.

Unlike the IMAP server, where the message is found on the receiving device without being downloaded from the server, that is, when an email has been opened on a device, when entering from another, it goes as read , and at the moment the user makes the request it is necessary to connect permanently to the Internet so that he can enter the email and see the message.

Because it is not necessary for messages to be downloaded, it is much easier to read them. Also here you can sort the folders , so that any user can see them. It should be noted that when a user makes some modification to the server, other users can see it. It is important that the period with which the user accesses the new messages is programmed , something that can also be done manually.