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MCP is getting attention, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle If you’re developing Agentic AI systems, it’s crucial to understand more than just MCP. There are 5 key protocols shaping how AI agents communicate, collaborate, and scale intelligence across tools and humans. Here’s a look at the standards defining the future of interoperable AI: 1. Model Context Protocol (MCP) What it is: A protocol that standardizes how applications supply context—data, tools, prompts—to LLMs. Why it matters: LLMs need external context to work effectively. Without MCP, every app or data source needs custom integration. MCP offers a plug-and-play framework. Highlights: * Client-server architecture * Lightweight servers expose capabilities * Host apps deliver structured context * Enables reuse of tools and data across models 2. Agent Communication Protocol (ACP) What it is: A universal communication protocol for AI agents, apps, and humans. Why it matters: Most agents today are isolated within their own frameworks. ACP creates a standard layer for secure, asynchronous, cross-platform messaging. Highlights: * RESTful API structure * Supports multiple message types * MIME type extensibility * Works across any tech stack 3. Agent-to-Agent Protocol (A2A) What it is: A standard for secure, multi-modal communication between AI agents. Why it matters: Collaborative AI requires agents to work together over time. A2A enables long-running, stateful interactions between agents from different platforms. Highlights: * Built on HTTP & JSON-RPC * Enterprise-grade encryption * Real-time state updates * Supports text, audio, video streaming 4. Agent Network Protocol (ANP) What it is: An open protocol for creating a global “agent internet.” Why it matters: Existing infrastructure isn’t optimized for billions of autonomous agents. ANP supports discovery, identity, secure messaging, and scalable collaboration. Highlights: * Three-layer architecture * Decentralized identity & secure messaging * Meta-protocols for negotiation * Application layer for capability registration & discovery * Supports trusted agent interactions 5. Agent User Interaction Protocol (AG-UI) What it is: A standard protocol connecting user interfaces with AI agents. Why it matters: AG-UI ensures a consistent, event-driven experience for users interacting with agents across systems. Highlights: * Event-driven design * Standardized agent events * Supports two-way interaction * Streams real-time agent updates These five protocols are the backbone of scalable, interoperable AI systems. Understanding them is key to building the next generation of agentic AI ecosystems. {+}Sharing this helps others in your network stay ahead in AI development.