Smtp what is a smart host

Email delivery issues can be incredibly frustrating. Messages that go missing in this way are collateral damage in the never-ending war against spam. Server administrators are expected to make sure emails sent from their server are above suspicion. Relaying messages through a Smarthost is one of the most reliable ways to solve delivery issues. In our recent article about configuring SpamAssassin with cPanel , we explored how the filter identifies incoming junk mail with language tests, message digests, and blocklists.

ISPs use similar techniques, employing third-party blocklists and internal databases to assess the reputation of an IP address, the unique number that identifies a server on the internet. A Smarthost is an email relay operated by a third party, which might be an ISP, a hosting provider, or a company that specializes in improving delivery rates.

Hosts send messages to the relay, which sends them back out onto the internet. How does that help you to deliver emails? Email relay providers are in the business of establishing and maintaining positive reputations for the IP addresses they control. ISPs and other organizations trust them not to send spam. When you send an email through a Smarthost, it looks as if it originated from their IP address.

Because they have a good reputation, messages are much more likely to make it to their destination. Tim Kennedy Tim Kennedy 1, 9 9 silver badges 13 13 bronze badges. SMTP relay is a host that accepts incoming SMTP and forwards the messages on somewhere that will get them delivered to the right place. BillThor BillThor They are the same. Both relay mail, but your ISP's one is emphasized as smarthost.

Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook. Sign up using Email and Password. Post as a guest Name. Email Required, but never shown. The Overflow Blog. Podcast Explaining the semiconductor shortage, and how it might end. Does ES6 make JavaScript frameworks obsolete? Featured on Meta. Now live: A fully responsive profile. Linked 0. Related 0. Hot Network Questions. Question feed. Server Fault works best with JavaScript enabled. Enabling this option will allow the smart-hosts that have been configured for individual domains to override the SMTP outbound smart-host.

MailEnable Standard Guide. In This Topic. Setting Description Smart Host Enabled Enabling this option will force all outbound email to be sent to one server, which is entered here.