Model Context Protocol (MCP) enables AI tools like large language models to connect to custom data sources and interact with external tools and APIs, making it crucial for agentic AI.
The rise in MCP's popularity has led to a demand for API gateways that support MCP to facilitate testing new environments, formatting responses, and enhancing API security.
Azure API Management is a top choice for enterprise AI deployments within the Microsoft stack, offering tight Azure integration and compliance.
APIPark, an open-source gateway, is ideal for lightweight AI apps and prototyping, with simple setup and flexible REST proxying.
Apache APISix offers extensible K8s-native LLM routing with Lua plugins and WebAssembly for AI-centric extensions, making it suitable for dynamic routing.
Kong Konnect is suited for high-scale AI platforms, featuring federated APIs and a rich plugin ecosystem for scalable deployments.
Multiple gateways like Solo.io's Agent Gateway, Moesif, WunderGraph MCP Server, Tyk API Gateway, and Gravitee.io Agent Mesh provide strong support for AI-driven workflows and management.
API gateways like Moesif provide detailed analytics for observing MCP interactions, offering insights for monitoring and enhancing AI API flows.
Overall, combining API gateways with MCP enhances security and customizability, serving as a bridge between traditional API ecosystems and AI-driven tools for autonomous AI.
Each gateway, like Azure API Management, Apache APISix, Kong Konnect, APIPark, and others, caters to specific needs based on scalability, AI orchestration, analytics, and frontend support.