Curated example · Editable connections
MCP architecture diagram
you can explore.
Map an MCP host, its clients, and local or remote servers in one editable example.
Curated example
Follow the connections.
Asks the application to explain a project or inspect an issue. In this example, begin with a read-only task.
Make it your own
User -> AI Application (Host) -> Language Model
AI Application (Host) -> Files Client -> Files MCP Server -> Project Files
AI Application (Host) -> Issues Client -> Issues MCP Server -> Issue Tracker APIChecking workspace availability. You can explore and copy this example now.
How to read this MCP architecture diagram
Model Context Protocol connects an AI application to servers that supply context and capabilities. A host manages clients, with a dedicated client for each server. Here, the files and issues branches share one host but have different clients and destinations. The client components belong inside the host; their separate boxes make those responsibilities visible.
Local stdio and remote Streamable HTTP
The files branch illustrates a local process reached through stdio. The issues branch illustrates a remote service reached through Streamable HTTP. These are two transport choices, not two different MCP roles. Arrows in this template show relationships; responses return through the same client-server interaction. It is an architecture map, not a protocol sequence trace.
Make the template fit your integration
Copy the connections or choose Use this template to open them in Archifyi. Rename AI Application to your host, replace Issue Tracker API with your service, and remove the files branch if you do not use it. To add a third server, add a separate client under the host and connect it to that server. Generate the diagram, inspect the components, and save a version before your next design review.
What to discuss in a design review
Pick one task, such as reading an issue and finding its related project document. Mark which branch provides each piece of context. Then ask what happens when the issue service is unavailable or a file is outside the allowed folder. Keep write operations, credentials, and approval decisions in your implementation notes; do not put real secrets in the template.
MCP diagram questions
What is the difference between an MCP host, client, and server?
The host is the AI application. A client is its connection component for one server. A server exposes capabilities to clients; it can run locally or remotely. The model is not itself the MCP client.
How does MCP fit into an AI agent architecture?
Use the agent diagram for the overall application responsibilities and this template to expand its integration boundary. MCP supplies a way to connect capabilities; the application still decides how to use them.
Can I create and export my own MCP diagram?
Yes. Adapt these connections in the Archifyi workspace, generate an architecture diagram, and export HTML or graph JSON. This page is a curated visualization template. It does not connect to or run an MCP server.
For the wider system, explore the AI agent architecture diagram or the RAG pipeline example.
Further reading: Model Context Protocol: Architecture overview ↗. The example above is independently authored and simplified.
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