Computer networks may be implemented using a variety of protocol stack architectures, computer buses or combinations of media and protocol layers, incorporating one or more of:
The term e-mail applies both to the Internet e-mail system based on the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) and to intranet systems allowing users within one company to email each other.
Often these workgroup collaboration organizations may use the Internet protocols for internal e-mail service.
E-mail predates the Internet; existing e-mail systems were a crucial tool in creating the Internet.