The Register recently published an insightful article titled “If MCP is the USB-C of AI agents, A2A is their Ethernet,” offering a compelling analogy to explain the evolving landscape of AI agent interoperability. The piece, appearing on July 12, 2025, at 10:58 AM, highlights the significance of advancements in how artificial intelligence agents communicate and collaborate.
The core of the article’s argument lies in its comparison of the “Machine Code Protocol” (MCP) to USB-C, and the “Agent-to-Agent” (A2A) protocol to Ethernet. This analogy effectively communicates the progression from a nascent, yet versatile, universal standard to a robust, high-performance networking solution.
According to The Register, MCP is presented as a foundational protocol that enables a wide range of AI agents to connect and interact. Much like USB-C has standardized various peripheral connections across devices, MCP aims to provide a common language and framework for diverse AI agents to exchange information and execute tasks. This represents a significant step towards broader AI system integration, allowing for greater flexibility and accessibility in how different AI functionalities can be accessed and utilized.
However, the article posits that as the capabilities and demands of AI systems grow, a more specialized and performant solution is required. This is where A2A comes into play, being likened to Ethernet. Ethernet, renowned for its high bandwidth, low latency, and reliability in wired networking, is presented as the ideal analogy for A2A’s role in advanced AI agent communication.
The comparison suggests that A2A is designed for more demanding scenarios, where AI agents need to exchange large volumes of complex data, synchronize operations in near real-time, and maintain consistent, high-speed communication. This is crucial for sophisticated applications such as distributed AI systems, complex autonomous operations, and advanced collaborative AI workflows.
The Register’s piece implies that while MCP offers a valuable universal interface, A2A provides the specialized infrastructure needed for mission-critical and high-performance AI deployments. This distinction is important for understanding the different roles these protocols play in building out the future of interconnected AI.
In essence, the article paints a picture of a maturing AI ecosystem. MCP is facilitating initial broad adoption and interoperability, akin to how USB-C made connecting peripherals commonplace. Simultaneously, A2A is emerging as the backbone for more demanding, networked AI applications, mirroring Ethernet’s role in robust network infrastructure. This evolution is a positive development, signaling a move towards more sophisticated, integrated, and high-performing artificial intelligence systems. The Register’s clear analogy provides a valuable framework for understanding these critical advancements in AI agent communication.
If MCP is the USB-C of AI agents, A2A is their Ethernet
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The Register published ‘If MCP is the USB-C of AI agents, A2A is their Ethernet’ at 2025-07-12 10:58. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.