# IMAP Proxy? **URL:** \ **Category:** NGINX\ **Created:** [August 31, 2010, 4:07pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/imap-proxy/194170 "2010-08-31T16:07:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![phillipoertel](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@phillipoertel](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/phillipoertel)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2010, 4:07pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/imap-proxy/194170/1 "2010-08-31T16:07:03Z")
Can nginx be used as a proxy for IMAP, so that multiple users can connect to nginx but the proxied server only sees one connection? If so, how would this be configured? ## Background: We have 20 users who all need access to read/move emails in a single IMAP mailbox, however our current hosting company is limiting our connections to one “user” per IP, or around 10 connections (since most mail clients open multiple connections to the server). _Phillip B Oldham_ ActivityHQ removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid [mailto:removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid) * * * _Policies_ This e-mail and its attachments are intended for the above named recipient(s) only and may be confidential. If they have come to you in error, please reply to this e-mail and highlight the error. No action should be taken regarding content, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. This e-mail has been created in the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a 100% secure communications medium, and we have taken steps to ensure that this e-mail and attachments are free from any virus. We must advise that in keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are completely virus free, and that you understand and observe the lack of security when e-mailing us. ---
**Author:** ![phillipoertel](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@phillipoertel](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/phillipoertel)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2010, 4:25pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/imap-proxy/194170/2 "2010-08-31T16:25:12Z")
> Can nginx be used as a proxy for IMAP, so that multiple users can > connect to nginx but the proxied server only sees one connection? If so, > how would this be configured? > > Background: We have 20 users who all need access to read/move emails in > a single IMAP mailbox, however our current hosting company is limiting > our connections to one “user” per IP, or around 10 connections (since > most mail clients open multiple connections to the server). IMAP is not designed to handle that, AFAIK. It’s a …not-so-great… idea to begin with. Why do 20 users have to fuzz around a single mailbox? Rainer ---
**Author:** ![phillipoertel](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@phillipoertel](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/phillipoertel)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2010, 4:33pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/imap-proxy/194170/3 "2010-08-31T16:33:59Z")
On 31/08/2010 15:24, [removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid) wrote: > It’s a …not-so-great… idea to begin with. > Why do 20 users have to fuzz around a single mailbox? Customer receive an automated email and respond manually. Our staff need to be able to review those emails and act accordingly. Was working fine with a smaller team, but we’ve recently increased the staff due to response volumes. – _Phillip B Oldham_ ActivityHQ [removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid) [mailto:removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid](mailto:removed_email_address@domain.invalid) * * * _Policies_ This e-mail and its attachments are intended for the above named recipient(s) only and may be confidential. If they have come to you in error, please reply to this e-mail and highlight the error. No action should be taken regarding content, nor must you copy or show them to anyone. This e-mail has been created in the knowledge that Internet e-mail is not a 100% secure communications medium, and we have taken steps to ensure that this e-mail and attachments are free from any virus. We must advise that in keeping with good computing practice the recipient should ensure they are completely virus free, and that you understand and observe the lack of security when e-mailing us. ---
**Author:** ![phillipoertel](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@phillipoertel](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/phillipoertel)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2010, 5:20pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/imap-proxy/194170/4 "2010-08-31T17:20:14Z")
> > IMAP is not designed to handle that, AFAIK. > > It’s a …not-so-great… idea to begin with. > > Why do 20 users have to fuzz around a single mailbox? > > Customer receive an automated email and respond manually. Our staff need > to be able to review those emails and act accordingly. Was working fine > with a smaller team, but we’ve recently increased the staff due to > response volumes. Get a ticketing system. Like RT3 from [bestpractical.com](http://bestpractical.com) Totally off-topic, I know - but IMHO, nginx is really the wrong tool for what you are trying to achieve. IMAP-proxies are usually used in situations where the client is a webserver… I know you want an “easy” solution for your problem - but RT3 is really as close as you can get. Rainer