Step 1: Analyze the structure of an email address.
A standard email address has the format `username@domainname`.
The `username` identifies the specific user.
The `@` symbol is a separator.
The `domainname` identifies the mail server that handles the email.
Step 2: Define protocol in this context.
A protocol (like SMTP for sending, or POP3/IMAP for receiving) is a set of rules that email clients and servers use to communicate. The protocol is not part of the address itself.