Email & Infrastructure Glossary
This guide explains Definitions for MX, SPF, DKIM, DMARC, IMAP, SMTP, and more. so you can complete the TrekMail task with confidence.
Article details
Type, difficulty, plans, and last updated info.
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Article details
Type, difficulty, plans, and last updated info.
- Type
- Glossary
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Plans
- Free · Starter · Pro · Agency
- Last updated
- Dec 14, 2025
Quick definitions for common email and DNS terms used throughout TrekMail.
Terms
- MX (Mail Exchanger): DNS record that directs incoming email for a domain to TrekMail.
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework): TXT record that lists servers allowed to send mail for your domain.
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail): Cryptographic signature added to outbound messages to prove they came from your domain.
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting & Conformance): Policy that tells receivers how to handle messages that fail SPF or DKIM.
- IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): Protocol used by email clients to read and sync mail.
- SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Protocol used to send email from clients or applications.
- MTA-STS (Mail Transfer Agent Strict Transport Security): Policy that enforces TLS for incoming mail delivery.
- TLSRPT (TLS Reporting): Mechanism for receiving reports about TLS connection issues.
Quick fixes and troubleshooting
- Match these terms to the labels in the TrekMail dashboard to understand why certain records are required.
- Use the DNS & Health tab for authoritative values of MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC for your domain.
Related articles
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