There are several key protocols involved in email communication:
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): This protocol is used for sending emails from the sender's server to the recipient's server. It ensures the email is properly routed and delivered. IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): IMAP allows users to access and manage their emails directly on the email server. This is particularly useful for users who access their email from multiple devices. POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3): POP3 is another protocol for retrieving emails from a server, but it downloads the emails to the user's device and typically deletes them from the server, making it less flexible compared to IMAP. DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): This protocol adds a digital signature to emails, verifying that the email message has not been altered in transit and confirming the sender's identity. SPF (Sender Policy Framework): SPF is used to verify that incoming emails from a domain are being sent from an authorized mail server, helping to prevent email spoofing. DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): DMARC builds on SPF and DKIM to provide a mechanism for email domain owners to protect their domain from unauthorized use.