Question

b) Consider a scenario where Bob has downloaded his messages to the local machine with an access of POP3, he can create mail folders and move the downloaded messages into the folders. Bob can then delete messages, move messages across folders, and search for messages (by sender name or subject). But this paradigm-namely, folders and messages in the local machine-poses a problem for the nomadic user, who would prefer to maintain a folder hierarchy on a remote server that can be accessed from any computer. This is not possible with POP3-the POP3 protocol does not provide any means for a user to create remote folders and assign messages to folders. Which protocol can be used in this given scenario so that messages can be accessed from anywhere from the same inbox account? Justify your answer with the aid of a diagram. [1+2=3 Marks]

Answer 1

Since the use of POP3 can restrict the user to view , move or delete the messages (e-mail) from any system across the globe, therefore there is a need for an universal solution which can allow the user to access his/her messages remotely from different devices and from different locations as per their needs.

To achieve this, the protocol is-- IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)

IMAP can provide you 24X7 access to your messages (even if you are not having your personal device) through any other device. For this you just need to sign in your account and all the services are available within your reach.

• It ensures constant synchronisation between your workstation and server.
• It allows the user to download the header of the message only(and not the body).
• It impedes the user from downloading the unnecessary attachments.
• The server helps you to check whether the received mail is urgent or not.
• The only problem with this protocol is that it utilizes more resources from the server-side.