Smarthost
A smarthost (also called a smart server or mail relay) is an email transmission service that routes messages through a secure, high-reputation intermediate SMTP server instead of sending them straight to the recipient.
Any system that can send with authentication will work; the technical team helps with servers that are not listed.
What sending from your own server costs you
When outbound email leaves directly from your own IP, a single bad send can drag down delivery for your entire domain. A smarthost hands that risk to an intermediate layer.
| Aspect | Sending from your own server | With the MXGate smarthost |
|---|---|---|
| IP reputation | A single address; one mistake affects the whole domain | A continuously monitored pool; risky sending is isolated |
| Blocklists | Getting removed can take days | The affected IP is pulled out and sending continues |
| Port restrictions | If the network blocks port 25, sending stops | Authenticated sending over 587 or 465 |
| Shared servers | Another account on the same server drags you down | Per-account queue and quota; no neighbour effect |
| Logs and diagnosis | Server logs are scattered and reasons hard to find | Delivery and rejection records in the panel, with reasons |
How the pool is kept clean
Where exactly does the setting go?
No software is installed. You just write the credentials from the panel into your system’s outbound mail setting.
| System | Setting name | Where | Setup guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| cPanel / WHM | Smart Host | WHM → Exim Configuration Manager → Basic Editor | cPanel setup guide |
| Plesk | Relay host | Tools & Settings → Mail Server Settings | Plesk setup guide |
| Postfix | relayhost | /etc/postfix/main.cf | Postfix setup guide |
| Exim | smarthost router | /etc/exim.conf (router + transport) | Exim setup guide |
| Microsoft Exchange | Smart host | Send Connector → Smart hosts | Compatibility list |
# Issued to you from the panel Host smtp.mxgate.com.tr Port 587 (STARTTLS) · alternatives: 465 (SSL), 25 Auth requiredUsername ornek.com Password generated in the panel, renewable at any time
Get your sending credentials
The panel gives you a host address, a port, a username and a password. These credentials are bound to your domain only.
Enter them in your server’s smarthost setting
Whether you run cPanel, Plesk, Postfix, Exim or Exchange, you write these into your server’s outbound mail setting. No software is installed.
Send a test and verify in the panel
You send a test message and see the delivery record in the panel. If something fails, the reason for the rejection appears on the same screen.
Smarthost pricing
Service starts at $49 USD per month. All plans include unlimited domains plus inbound and outbound protection.
Frequently asked questions
What is a smarthost?
A smarthost (also called a smart server or mail relay) is an email transmission service that routes messages through a secure, high-reputation intermediate SMTP server instead of sending them straight to the recipient. This server forwards email from clean and trusted IP addresses, increasing the delivery rate and protecting the sending server’s IP reputation.
Why use a smarthost?
There are four main reasons: 1) IP reputation protection — your own address stays off blocklists, 2) higher delivery rates — sending from a clean pool reaches the inbox, 3) bypassing port restrictions — on networks that block port 25 you send over 587 or 465, 4) central oversight — every outbound message is logged in one panel.
Which panels is MXGate Smarthost compatible with?
It works with cPanel/WHM, Plesk, DirectAdmin, Interworx and CyberPanel, and with Postfix, Exim, Sendmail, Qmail and Microsoft Exchange as mail servers. Any system that can send with authentication will work.
How is a smarthost set up?
About five minutes. You write the credentials from the panel into your server’s smarthost setting; no software is installed and your mailboxes are untouched. To roll back, you simply remove the setting.
Is there a sending limit?
Your plan’s monthly volume applies, and an hourly quota is defined per account. The quota exists to stop a compromised account from polluting the pool and can be raised on request. Accounts approaching their quota are flagged in the panel.