Is it possible to have an outgoing SMTP server when port 25 is blocked

email

I have a Debian machine (actually a Raspberry Pi) that I would like to use as a rudimentary, outgoing-only mail server over a residential connection, just for kicks. Port 25 is blocked. I would like to set it up as a standalone SMTP server, not a relay. Is that possible?

Comcast gives the impression I can use port 587 instead. http://customer.comcast.com/help-and-support/internet/email-port-25-no-longer-supported/

So does this guy (and a few others): http://dragos.fedorovici.com/exim-alternate-port-587/

But this answer https://serverfault.com/questions/452653/many-isps-is-block-port-25-how-do-i-choose-an-alternative-port/ sounds like 587 is only for use within local networks.

Nothing I have tried works. It would be nice to know if the task is possible.

EDIT: I didn't explicitly mention this, but I would like typical mail servers to be able to receive mail that I send from my machine.

Best Answer

If your ISP is blocking traffic that you send destined for another host's TCP port 25, you will not be able to set up an outbound mail server.

Conversely, if they are blocking inbound connections to your TCP port 25, other mail servers would not be able to deliver messages to you.

Additionally, it is typically not very effective sending mail directly from dynamic IP space because commonly these netblocks are abused by malware and viruses to send spam and, as a consequence, many mail servers ignore them outright.

Port 25 is the only port used between MTAs for delivery. Other ports you might read about are only used by MUAs (clients) for relay purposes.

You could configure your local MTA to use your ISP's mail relay as a smart host (outbound).

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