Mail server
A mail server is a server that can receive, forward, hold and send e-mails . The e-mail addresses whose e-mail accounts are managed by the mail server inherit their domain part from the domain name of the mail server. The domain name of the mail server, in turn, is the domain of the e-mail provider who operates the mail server.
Functions
In most mail servers several modules work together:
- The Mail Transfer Agent accepts e-mails and forwards them
- Mail Retrieval Agents retrieve email from other servers
- Mail filters block spam and malware
- The Mail Delivery Agent by email in email inboxes a
- The message store grants access to the mailboxes
Mail servers are also used as:
Logs
A large number of protocols are used when operating mail servers.
The most basic protocols are:
- the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for sending and forwarding
- the Post Office Protocol (POP) for download
- the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) as a network file system
- each optionally with Transport Layer Security (TLS) for authentication and encryption
Storage concepts
Each mail server can use its own proprietary way to store the emails to be managed. In the open source environment, however, some storage concepts have developed that are widely used:
Individual evidence
- ^ IETF Request For Comments (RFCs) . Internet Mail Consortium. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Retrieved February 19, 2012.
Web links
Wiktionary: Mail server - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations
- https://test.meinmail.info - online tool for checking the configuration of the mail server used to send your own mail