MCP vs A2A: A Comprehensive Guide to Multi-Agent Communication Protocols

Introduction Google’s announcement of the open A2A (Agent-to-Agent) protocol sparked intense debate in the tech community. This new protocol complements the existing Model Context Protocol (MCP), jointly advancing the standardization of multi-agent system communication. This article systematically analyzes the architectures, differences, and synergies between these two protocols, providing developers with a clear framework for understanding their roles in modern AI ecosystems. 1. Core Concepts: Understanding the Protocols 1.1 MCP Protocol Architecture The Model Context Protocol establishes a robust foundation for agent ecosystems through three core components: MCP Host: LLM-powered programs accessing data resources MCP Client: Maintains 1:1 server connections MCP …