What does SMTP stand for?

SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. This term is essential in the context of email communication as it defines the protocol used for sending emails across networks. SMTP is a text-based protocol in which one server communicates with another to relay messages. The term "simple" refers to its straightforward implementation and functionality, primarily focusing on the transmission of email messages rather than other aspects of email management, such as secure connections or storing messages.

Understanding SMTP is crucial for anyone involved in managing email systems, as it is the foundational technology that enables the sending of emails from sender to recipient, making it an indispensable part of internet communication. The other options, while they seem to pertain to email protocols, do not accurately describe the established standard name for the protocol that facilitates the everyday process of sending emails.