Name Protocols used for Email

Email is also governed by protocols. Without most users realizing it, whenever they send or receive an email there are specific protocols that go to work to ensure delivery or receipt. This lesson focuses on the four most common email protocols in use today: IMAP, MIME, POP3, and SMTP.

Internet Messaging Access Protocol (IMAP) is a standard mail server that:

1. Stores messages until users log on and download the messages
2. Allows messages to be archived in folders, mailboxes to be shared, multiple mail servers to be accessed
3. Allows users to read only a message header without having to accept the message

Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension (MIME) is a standard email protocol that:

1. Identifies the type of information in a message or document
2. Detects and transfers non-text data (such as colors and pictures in email messages) in an email file for email readers, Web servers, and browsers

Post Office Protocol (POP3) is a standard mail server that:

1. Almost all Internet mail readers use POP; for example, Eudora, Netscape, and Outlook
2. Holds incoming email until users log on and download it via email clients
3. Does not encrypt messages

Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) is the standard TCP/IP email protocol that:

1. Sends and forwards email to and between email servers over the Internet
2. Does not encrypt message

As the following image illustrates, these protocols operate at the Application layer of the OSI model.

Click the Exercise link below to demonstrate your ability to identify the proper function of various protocols.
Remote Access Protocols email Protocols