What does SMTP stand for in networking terms?

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. It is a protocol used in the Internet for sending and routing emails between servers. SMTP works by enabling email clients to send messages to a mail server, and it allows that server to relay the messages to the recipient's server. This process is essential for the functioning of email communication, making SMTP one of the core protocols in networking.

The term "simple" refers to the ease of implementation and basic nature of the protocol, which primarily focuses on the transfer of messages rather than more complex tasks such as error handling or security features, which are addressed by other protocols. Understanding SMTP is key for anyone involved in network administration or email system configurations, as it forms the backbone of email services across the Internet.