What Is MCP (Model Context Protocol)?

Why it matters

More people now ask an AI assistant before they search. “Why does my domain show Not Secure?” is a question an assistant can answer much better if it can actually look at the domain. Without MCP, the assistant can only guess from what it learned in training. With an MCP server, it can run a real DNS lookup, check the SSL certificate and trace the redirect chain before it answers.

MCP also makes actions possible. Instead of explaining which DNS records to change, an assistant connected to the right service can make the change for you once you approve it.

How it works

An MCP setup has three parts:

• The host: the app you talk to, such as Claude or ChatGPT
• The client: the part of the host that speaks the protocol
• The server: a small service that lists its tools (for example check_domain or create_redirect) and runs them when asked

When you ask a question, the assistant reads the list of available tools, picks the one that fits, sends the inputs and uses the result in its reply. Tools that change data usually need you to sign in first, so the server knows whose account it’s working with.

Common mistakes

• Connecting servers you don’t trust. An MCP server can act on your behalf. Only connect ones from vendors you already use.
• Giving broad access by default. Read-only tools are enough for checking a domain. Save write access for the accounts that need it.
• Expecting MCP to replace the API. Scripts and integrations still work better against a REST API.

MCP and Domain Forward

Domain Forward has two MCP servers. The free tools server runs domain, DNS, SSL and redirect checks without an account. The account server does the same checks and also manages your redirects after you sign in. See the setup guides for Claude and ChatGPT.