What is mail delivery system email

The mail delivery system, also known as the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), is a set of rules and protocols used to send and receive emails over the internet. Here's a simplified overview of how it works:

SMTP Basics

SMTP is a client-server protocol, where a mail client (e.g., your email client software) connects to a mail server (e.g., your email provider's server) to send and receive emails. The mail server acts as a relay, forwarding emails to the recipient's mail server.

SMTP Process

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the SMTP process:

1. Mail Client: You compose an email using your email client software (e.g., Gmail, Outlook, etc.).
2. Mail Client connects to Mail Server: Your email client connects to your email provider's mail server using SMTP (e.g., smtp.gmail.com for Gmail).
3. Mail Server authenticates: The mail server authenticates your email client using your email address and password.
4. Mail Client sends email: Your email client sends the composed email to the mail server, which stores it temporarily.
5. Mail Server forwards email: The mail server forwards the email to the recipient's mail server using the recipient's email address.
6. Recipient's Mail Server receives email: The recipient's mail server receives the email and stores it temporarily.
7. Recipient's Mail Client retrieves email: The recipient's email client connects to their mail server and retrieves the email.

SMTP Commands

SMTP uses a set of commands to manage the email delivery process. Some common SMTP commands include:

• HELO (Hello): The mail client introduces itself to the mail server.
• MAIL FROM (Mail From): The mail client specifies the sender's email address.
• RCPT TO (Recipient To): The mail client specifies the recipient's email address.
• DATA (Data): The mail client sends the email content.
• QUIT (Quit): The mail client disconnects from the mail server.

SMTP Ports

SMTP typically uses port 25 for incoming mail and port 587 for outgoing mail. Some email providers may use different ports or require authentication before sending emails.

Common SMTP Issues

Some common issues with SMTP include:

• Spam filters: Email providers may block or flag emails that contain suspicious content or are sent from unknown senders.
• Authentication errors: Incorrect email addresses or passwords can prevent email delivery.
• Mail server configuration: Incorrect mail server settings or configuration can prevent email delivery.

I hope this helps you understand the basics of the mail delivery system and SMTP!