What are the key fields to look for in a bounce message?
- Critical DSN fields for bounce processing:
- Status:
- Enhanced status code (5.1.1, 4.2.2, etc.). Primary classification signal. X.Y.Z format per RFC 3463.
- Diagnostic-Code:
- Full SMTP response from remote server. Contains detailed error message. May include provider-specific codes.
- Final-Recipient:
- The address that failed. May differ from original if forwarded. Essential for suppression.
- Action:
- "failed" = permanent. "delayed" = temporary, still trying. "delivered" = success (in positive DSNs).
- Remote-MTA:
- Server that generated the error. Helps identify provider. Useful for troubleshooting.
- Arrival-Date:
- When failure occurred. Useful for tracking and debugging.
- These fields tell the complete story. Status for category, diagnostic for detail, recipient for action.
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