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What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and why do I need a gateway?

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that allows AI models to connect with external systems, tools, and data sources.

Why You Need a Gateway

  • Service Discovery: Find approved MCP servers in your organization
  • Centralized Access Control: Secure, governed access to tools
  • Dynamic Tool Discovery: Agents can find new tools autonomously
  • Simplified Client Configuration: Single endpoint for multiple servers
  • Enterprise Security: Authentication, authorization, and audit logging

Without Gateway: Each agent connects directly to individual MCP servers With Gateway: All agents connect through a single, secure, managed endpoint

What's the difference between the Registry and the Gateway?

They are complementary components:

Registry: - Purpose: Service discovery and management - Features: Web UI, server registration, health monitoring, tool catalog - Users: Platform administrators, developers - Access: Web browser at port 80 (HTTP) or 443 (HTTPS) via nginx reverse proxy

Gateway: - Purpose: Secure proxy for MCP protocol traffic - Features: Authentication, authorization, request routing - Users: AI agents, MCP clients - Access: MCP protocol at /server-name/sse

Together: Registry manages what's available, Gateway controls access to it.