SMTP Server

SMTP is the acronym for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol which refers to a communication protocol with regard to mail transmission that is electronic in form. It is used by mail servers as well as by message transfer agents for the purpose of sending and receiving mail content through an organized system that entails an SMTP server running SMTP.

An SMTP server is an application that is responsible for the entire email delivery process. Its main purpose entails receiving, sending as well as relaying outgoing mail that is exchanged between email senders and receivers. Such a server is similar to any other server as far as its function involving processing data is concerned. This processed data is sent to another server. An SMTP server is more specific than other servers, as it processes only that data which is related to an email that has been sent, received or relayed. The accurate SMTP settings need to be configured in order to ensure that messages can be sent through an email client or software.

If an SMTP server is not present, then any email that is sent, won’t reach its destination. Apart from that it is the function of the SMTP server to ascertain that the outgoing email’s origin is from an active account. In this manner it functions as a preliminary safety check with regard to ensuring an inbox’s protection against emails that are illicit. Moreover, when an email can’t be delivered, it redirects that email to the sender. This helps the sender by equipping him with information, regarding him either not having the correct email address or his email being blocked by the recipient server.

Normal servers impose stringent limits with regard to the number of emails that can be sent and the number of addresses that are allowed to be handled in a day by a user. A professional SMTP server comes in handy in the event that a user plans to send bulk emails. A professional SMTP server lets a user manage an unlimited number of messages. Additionally, it assures deliverability to the maximum extent.

Web Hosting

Before proceeding to describe the process of transmission of an email, some information is provided about web hosting, which involves leasing server space to store the files of a website. Additionally, all the technology and services that are needed to keep a website up and running are also included in web hosting. This service is made available by web hosting companies. Various terms, such as, the “Best WordPress Hosting in 2021” or “Windows Dedicated Server Hosting India” or “Linux Dedicated Server Hosting India” can be heard with regard to web hosting service providers.

Steps involved in electronic mail transmission through an SMTP server

1st Step- An email is sent with one’s webmail or mail client (Message User Agent) from one’s address to a particular recipient.

2nd Step- This message is normally sent to an SMTP server via port 25. This is given to one’s client when one sets it up. This functions as a Message Transfer Agent or MTA. Next, a brief conversation starts between the client and the server which involves the server verifying all the data that is related to the transmission of the message. This data includes sender, domains and recipient etc.

The message’s transmission is defined by the SMTP language. It has nothing to do with the message’s content.

3rd Step- The email is delivered without any delay if that domain is connected directly to the server where the recipient’s account exists. In the event that is not the case, it is handed by the SMTP to another incoming server that is closer to the recipient. Such passages are termed as relays.

4th Step- In case the recipient’s server is busy or down, the message is left by the SMTP host with a backup server. If no backup server is available then the email gets queued. In such a scenario the email’s delivery is retried at regular intervals. The message is returned as “undelivered”, post the completion of a determined period.

In the event that no untoward issue is faced, POP controls the final segment. This is another protocol that collects the email from the receiving server and delivers it into the inbox of the recipient.