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Agentic AI Protocols (MCP, A2A, ACP)

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Coursera

Agentic AI Protocols (MCP, A2A, ACP)

Harshita Gulati

Instructor: Harshita Gulati

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
3 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
3 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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Recently updated!

December 2025

Assessments

5 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

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There are 3 modules in this course

In this foundational lesson, learners will explore the architecture and components of the Multi-Agent Communication Protocol (MCP), examining how it facilitates effective information exchange between AI agents. Through real-world examples from Anthropic's implementation and industry case studies, learners will analyze MCP's structural elements, understand its role in standardizing agent communication, and practice identifying optimal scenarios for MCP deployment.

What's included

3 videos2 readings1 assignment

This lesson focuses on Agent-to-Agent (A2A) protocols and their application in coordinating tasks among AI agents. Learners will examine Google's implementation of A2A in autonomous systems, understand the strategic differences between A2A and MCP, and practice designing coordination mechanisms for complex multi-agent tasks. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, learners will develop skills in task distribution, coordination patterns, and performance optimization in A2A environments.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment

In this final lesson, learners will examine the Agent Collaboration Protocol (ACP) and its application in enterprise environments for collaborative execution. They'll analyze IBM's implementation approach, understand ACP's unique strengths in managing complex collaborative workflows, and develop strategies for optimizing collaborative execution in diverse AI systems. The lesson culminates with a comprehensive capstone project where learners design a multi-protocol implementation plan, and a graded assessment that tests their understanding across all three protocols.

What's included

3 videos2 readings3 assignments

Instructor

Harshita Gulati
Coursera
0 Courses0 learners

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.