Connector Templates

Pre-configured mail flow connector templates for common deployment scenarios. Templates simplify the creation of inbound and outbound connectors by providing recommended settings for hybrid, partner, and gateway configurations.

Note: Templates provide starting configurations. Review and customize settings based on your specific mail flow requirements before deploying.

Available Templates

Hybrid Exchange Template

For organizations with on-premises Exchange alongside Exchange Online:

Inbound Connector (From On-Premises)

• Source: On-premises Exchange server IP or certificate
• Security: TLS with certificate validation
• Enhanced filtering: Preserve original sender IP

Outbound Connector (To On-Premises)

• Destination: On-premises Exchange server smart host
• Security: Force TLS with certificate validation
• Routing: Route via smart host for non-cloud recipients

Partner Organization Template

For secure mail flow with a business partner:

Inbound (From Partner)

• Source: Partner’s sending IP addresses or certificate
• Security: Require TLS and validate certificate subject
• Filtering: Apply enhanced filtering for accurate detection

Outbound (To Partner)

• Destination: Partner’s mail server via MX or smart host
• Security: Force TLS encryption
• Scope: Apply only to messages sent to partner domain

Email Gateway Template

For third-party email security gateways (Proofpoint, Mimecast, Barracuda):

Inbound (From Gateway)

• Source: Gateway service IP ranges
• Security: TLS with gateway certificate
• Enhanced filtering: Required to preserve original sender IP
• Skip spam filtering: Optional if gateway already filters

Outbound (To Gateway)

• Destination: Gateway service smart host address
• Security: Force TLS
• Scope: All outbound email routes through gateway

Applying a Template

1. Select template — Choose the template matching your scenario.
2. Configure parameters — Enter IP addresses, certificates, and domain names.
3. Review settings — Verify all connector settings before creating.
4. Create connectors — Deploy the inbound and/or outbound connectors.
5. Validate — Test mail flow through the new connectors.

Best Practices

• Validate after deployment — Always test connectors with the built-in validation tool.
• Use message trace — Verify mail is flowing through the expected connector.
• Keep IPs updated — Update connector IP ranges when partner or gateway IPs change.
• Document configurations — Record which template was used and any customizations.

API Reference

GET /api/exchange/connector-templates List available templates

POST /api/exchange/connector-templates/:id/apply Create connectors from template

GET /api/exchange/connector-templates/:id/preview Preview connector settings before creating