WBJECA 2025 — Computer PYQ
WBJECA | Computer | 2025Which application layer protocol is primarily used for sending email?
Choose the correct answer:
- A.
IMAP
- B.
POP3
- C.
SMTP
(Correct Answer) - D.
FTP
SMTP
Explanation
In the context of the Application Layer of the OSI model, different protocols handle different aspects of email communication.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): This is the standard protocol used for sending (pushing) email from a client to a mail server, or between mail servers.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) & POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3): These are used for retrieving (pulling) email from a mail server to a client.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol): This is used for transferring files between a client and a server, not specifically for email.
To understand the roles of these protocols in the email lifecycle, we can represent their functions as:
Email Transmission (Sending)={SMTP}
Email Reception (Retrieval)={IMAP,POP3}
Because the question specifically asks for the protocol used to send email, SMTP is the correct choice.

