COMPARISON
MCP Gateway
vs API Gateway
API gateways route and rate‑limit. MCP Gateway validates plan steps and schema pins, enforces AuthZEN constraints, and emits receipts. They solve different problems and often run together.
| Capability | API Gateway | MCP Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Routing/Rate limits | Yes | Works with API GW |
| Schema pin validation | No | Yes (hash/version) |
| Plan discipline | No | Yes (deny off‑plan pre‑exec) |
| AuthZEN constraints | No | Yes |
| Receipts | No | Yes (signed evidence) |
FAQ
- Can I use both? Yes. Place MCP Gateway behind your API gateway for policy enforcement and receipts.
- Do I need MCP to benefit? MCP support is ideal; schema pinning and AuthZEN decisions add value regardless.