MCP Simple Gateway MCP Server: Universal Adapter for AI Applications

Overview: What is MCP Simple Gateway?

MCP Simple Gateway is a versatile proxy server designed to facilitate seamless communication between various Model Context Protocol (MCP) clients and their corresponding data sources or tools via standardized APIs. This server bridges the gap, enabling a wide range of AI applications like Claude Desktop, Continue, Cursor, and others to interact with diverse backend services efficiently.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

MCP Simple Gateway introduces several key features that make it indispensable for integrating and managing multiple MCP servers:

• Aggregation of Multiple MCP Servers: By consolidating requests from various clients towards a single entry point, the gateway simplifies management and improves interoperability.
• Token-Based Authentication Support: Ensures secure and controlled access to backend services through token-based authentication mechanisms.
• Flexible JSON-Based Configuration: Allows for dynamic configuration with ease, making it adaptable to different deployment scenarios.
• Docker Support: Facilitates easy containerization and scaling of servers, enhancing portability across environments.
• Support for SSE and Stdio MCP: Enables real-time data streaming and direct communication via standard input/output streams.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

The architecture of the MCP Simple Gateway incorporates a two-tiered model: an entry point where all requests are aggregated and forwarded, followed by a tier behind it that handles the actual service interaction. The protocol flow is structured to authenticate users, route their requests appropriately, and ensure secure data exchange.

Mermaid Diagram for MCP Protocol Flow

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Protocol]
    B --> C[MCP Server]
    C --> D[Data Source/Tool]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

Mermaid Diagram for Data Architecture

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Server]
    B --> C[Data Source/Tool]
    C -->|API Responses| B
    B --> D[Client-Server Communication]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To quickly start using the MCP Simple Gateway, you can deploy it via command-line interface or Docker Compose. Below are detailed steps to follow:

Running via CLI

With package managers such as npm, you can easily launch the gateway by running:

npx mcp-simple-gateway --config config.json

Alternatively, if you prefer a Docker container, use docker-compose.yml for setup:

services:
  mcp-gateway:
    image: ghcr.io/denwakeup/mcp-simple-gateway:latest
    volumes:
      - ./config.json:/app/config.json
    ports:
      - '3000:3000'
    environment:
      - CONFIG_PATH=/app/config.json

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

Workflow 1: Real-Time Data Fetching for AI Inference

AI applications such as Claude Desktop can leverage MCP Simple Gateway to streamline real-time data fetching processes. By integrating this gateway, the application can query and process data from various sources, enhancing its performance and responsiveness.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "weather_data": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@modelcontextprotocol/server-weather"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-api-key"
      }
    },
    "news_feed": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@modelcontextprotocol/server-newsFeed"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-secret-api-key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Workflow 2: Streamable HTTP for Asynchronous Data Processing

For applications requiring asynchronous data processing, the gateway supports streaming data via HTTP. This feature enables seamless transfer of large datasets without blocking user interfaces.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

MCP Simple Gateway is compatible with multiple clients, ensuring broad applicability across different AI platforms:

• Claude Desktop: Full support for complex queries and real-time updates.
• Continue: Direct stream access and prompt-based interactions.
• Cursor: Tool integration for automated workflows.

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

The MCP Simple Gateway supports a range of clients with varying levels of compatibility:

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts	Status
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Continue	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Cursor	❌	✅	❌	Tools Only

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

Configuring the MCP Simple Gateway involves setting up a JSON file according to the specified schema provided in the README. Key parameters include logging levels, authentication tokens, and proxy options.

{
  "proxyServer": {
    "options": {
      "logLevel": "debug",
      "logPretty": true,
      "authTokens": ["your-auth-token"]
    }
  },
  "mcpServers": {
    "[serverName]": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-[name]"],
      "proxyOptions": {
        "authTokens": ["server-specific-token"]
      }
    }
  }
}

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How can I secure my MCP Simple Gateway setup?

A1: You should use token-based authentication as provided by the authTokens parameter in your configuration file.

Q2: Can all MCP clients work with this gateway?

A2: Currently, certain clients like Cursor only support tools; Claude Desktop and Continue fully support all features.

Q3: What is the default port for the MCP Simple Gateway?

A3: The default port is 3000, but it can be configured as needed via environment variables in Docker setups or command-line arguments.

Q4: How do I handle real-time communication with backend tools?

A4: Streamable HTTP (SSE) and stdio support ensure efficient and continuous data flow between the client and backend.

Q5: What are the latest improvements in this release?

A5: While specific improvements were not detailed, recent updates include improved error handling, logging enhancements, and better compatibility with new MCP clients.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Contributors can join the development effort by following these steps:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Make necessary changes and improvements.
3. Submit a pull request for review.

Detailed instructions are available in the CONTRIBUTING.md file.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

Explore further into the MCP ecosystem with resources like official documentation, community forums, and relevant tools:

• Documentation: Official MCP Docs
• Community Forum: Join discussions on the MCP GitHub Issues

By integrating the MCP Simple Gateway, developers can ensure robust and scalable AI application development leveraging standardized protocols.