Defining an MCP Server

This guide walks you through the process of setting up an MCP server from the UCL dashboard.

The Unified Context Layer (UCL) allows you to define your own MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and use them as tools within your workspace.

Step 1: Access the Define MCP Server Option

• Log in to your UCL account at app.ucl.dev.

• Select your workspace.

• From the Dashboard → Connect page, click on Define an MCP Server.

• You will be taken to the Create New MCP Tool screen.

Step 2: Add Tool Details

On this screen, you will provide the basic information for your MCP tool.

Tool Details

• Tool Name → Enter a name for your tool.

• Description → Briefly describe your tool.

• Workspace → Select the workspace.

• Images (0/3) → Optionally upload up to 3 images (e.g., https://example.com/image.jpg).

• Mode → Choose how the tool will appear:

  • Default

  • Light

  • Dark

Click Next to continue.

Step 3: Configure Activation

Set up authentication and activation parameters for your MCP tool.

Available Authentication Modes

• OAuth → Enter OAuth secrets.

• Basic → Username/Password authentication.

• API Key → Provide an API key.

• Bearer Token → Token-based authentication.

• Custom Input → Define your own variable names and descriptions (e.g., Instance ID).

You can set one of these methods as the default.

Example: In Custom Input mode, you may define instanceId as a required parameter for connecting.

Click Next to proceed.

Step 4: Configure MCP Server

Provide the server connection details.

Server Configuration

• Server URL → Add the URL of your MCP server

 https://your-mcp-server.com

• Headers → Add any required headers (e.g., instanceId).

• Query Parameters → Add query parameters if needed.

• Authentication Configuration → Choose one:

  • No Authentication

  • Basic

  • Bearer

  • JWT Bearer

  • AWS Signature

  • API Key

Click Next to continue.

Step 5: Test Connection

You will now see your MCP server details.

- Tool Name
- Server URL
- Connection Status: Ready to test connection

• Click Test Connection.

• If successful, you will see a notification: “Connection Successful. Ready to complete setup.”

Step 6: Complete Setup

• Click Complete Setup.

• Your new MCP server will be added as a tool in your dashboard.

You can now use it within your UCL workspace.