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POP2
The Post Office Protocol version 2 (POP2) is an early email retrieval protocol designed to facilitate the transfer of email messages from a remote mail server to a local client. Developed in the 1980s, POP2 supports basic operations for listing, retrieving, and deleting messages stored on the server. Despite its historical significance, POP2 has largely been replaced by the more advanced and secure POP3 protocol due to evolving email requirements and the need for enhanced security..
The Post Office Protocol version 2 (POP2) operates primarily over TCP port 109. It was designed as an enhancement to the original POP1 protocol, providing more refined command structures for managing email retrieval. POP2 relies on a client-server model where users authenticate with their credentials, allowing them to connect to their designated mailbox.
POP2 supports commands to list emails, retrieve individual messages, and delete emails on the server. However, POP2 is inherently a simple, stateless protocol—meaning once the emails are fetched, they are typically removed from the server, limiting email synchronization across multiple devices.
With the evolution of email technologies, including the advent of IMAP and POP3, POP2 has become obsolete. The newer protocols offer improved capabilities, such as support for multiple folders, better synchronization, and enhanced authentication methods.