How does email reach my inbox from mail server

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how email reaches your inbox from a mail server:

Step 1: Email Composition

You compose an email using a mail client (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, or a web-based email service) and send it to a recipient's email address.

Step 2: Mail Server Relay

The mail client sends the email to a mail server (also known as a mail relay or SMTP server) associated with your email account. This mail server is usually provided by your email service provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, or your internet service provider).

Step 3: DNS Resolution

The mail server performs a DNS (Domain Name System) lookup to resolve the recipient's email address to an IP address. This is done to determine the mail server responsible for delivering the email to the recipient.

Step 4: Mail Server Authentication

The mail server authenticates with the recipient's mail server using a process called Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) authentication. This ensures that only authorized mail servers can send emails to the recipient's account.

Step 5: Mail Server Relay

The mail server relays the email to the recipient's mail server, which is responsible for delivering the email to the recipient's inbox. This process is called a "hop" in the email delivery process.

Step 6: Mail Server Delivery

The recipient's mail server receives the email and stores it in a queue. The mail server then checks the email's headers and body to determine the best way to deliver the email to the recipient's inbox.

Step 7: Inbox Delivery

The recipient's mail server delivers the email to the recipient's inbox using a protocol such as POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) or IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol).

Step 8: Inbox Display

The email is displayed in the recipient's inbox, where it can be read, replied to, or deleted.

Here's a simplified diagram illustrating the email delivery process:

          +---------------+
          |  Your Mail  |
          |  Client (e.g.,  |
          |  Gmail, Outlook) |
          +---------------+
                  |
                  |  Send email
                  v
          +---------------+
          |  Mail Server  |
          |  (e.g., Gmail,  |
          |  Outlook)      |
          +---------------+
                  |
                  |  DNS lookup
                  v
          +---------------+
          |  Recipient's  |
          |  Mail Server  |
          +---------------+
                  |
                  |  SMTP authentication
                  v
          +---------------+
          |  Mail Server  |
          |  Relay (e.g.,  |
          |  Gmail, Outlook) |
          +---------------+
                  |
                  |  Mail Server delivery
                  v
          +---------------+
          |  Recipient's  |
          |  Inbox        |
          +---------------+

Keep in mind that this is a simplified explanation, and actual email delivery processes may involve additional steps, such as spam filtering, virus scanning, and content filtering.