How Does Email Work?
Email works in much the same way as conventional mail. Three distinct agents are involved in this process: the email client (sender), the mail transport agent, and the mail delivery agent (recipient). The email client is often referred to as the Mail User Agent (MUA) and the transport agent is often referred to as the Mail Transport Agent (MTA). Each of these agents and their respective tasks are listed in Table 25.1.
| Agent | Component | Description |
|---|---|---|
| User Agent (MUA) | Sender | Formats the message, addresses the message, and delivers the message to the Mail Transport Agent. |
| Transport Agent (MTA) | Message Handler | Accepts messages from User Agents and other Transport Agents. Routes the message over ... |
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