Understanding MCP Architecture: The Cognitive Operating System for AI Agents
MCP is not just an add-on to LLMs — it's a new cognitive layer. Its architecture consists of three main layers:
1. Context Layer:
Stores the agent's memory
Manages observations and inputs from the virtual world
Builds the agent’s world model from both static and dynamic data
2. Protocol Layer:
Defines tasks in machine contract format
Sets inputs, goals, constraints, and expected outputs
Enables coordination between agents via shared schemas
3. Execution Layer:
Executes tasks based on protocols
Maps tasks to AI models, plugins, or external APIs
Supports fallback, asynchronous orchestration, and memory updates
MCP acts as a cognitive operating system for AI societies.