What Is NNTP?

NNTP, or Network News Transfer Protocol, is the standard method used to access Usenet. It governs how articles are transferred between Usenet servers and how users connect to read and post to newsgroups. Originally defined in 1986, NNTP was designed to work over the Internet and is still in use today with modern servers and clients.

NNTP operates on a client-server model. A user connects to a Usenet service through a newsreader, which communicates with the Usenet provider’s servers using NNTP. This setup allows for the reading of text discussions, as well as the posting of new articles to various newsgroups.

How NNTP Works

The NNTP protocol uses specific commands to retrieve headers, bodies, and article overviews from Usenet servers. It enables structured communication between servers and clients, helping maintain synchronization across the global Usenet network. Most newsreaders interact with NNTP servers in the background, allowing users to access articles without needing to understand the underlying protocol.

Many providers support NNTP over SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). When connecting using SSL, the data exchanged between your device and the Usenet server is encrypted. This encryption makes it nearly impossible for third parties to intercept or read your activity in transit. SSL connections are especially important for those who value privacy and security while accessing Usenet.

NNTP and Article Retention

Article retention refers to the length of time articles remain available on Usenet servers. Providers that support long-term article retention make it easier to access older articles across a wide range of newsgroups. NNTP allows for efficient access to both recent and older articles, provided they are still stored on the server.