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Core Protocols Comparison

SMTP

Ports: 25, 587, 465
Purpose: Sending emails between servers

IMAP

Port: 143 (993 SSL)
Use Case: Sync across devices

POP3

Port: 110 (995 SSL)
Use Case: Single device access

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When to Use Which?

1

Corporate Environments

IMAP recommended for multi-device access

2

Backup Systems

POP3 suitable for local mail storage

3

Transactional Emails

SMTP + API integrations