Exposing a MCP Server

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard for enabling language models to use tools, retrieve data, and operate over structured inputs. If you’re running a local MCP server, Inspectr lets you expose it securely to the internet and inspect real-time traffic.

This guide walks you through exposing your MCP server using Inspectr.

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Prerequisites

• A running MCP-compatible server (e.g. on http://localhost:3000)
• Inspectr installed (Install Guide →)

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Step 1: Start Your MCP Server

Make sure your server is running locally:

mcp-server --port 3000

Or however you start your local MCP-compatible service.

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Step 2: Start Inspectr to Forward Requests

inspectr \
  --listen=:8080 \
  --backend=http://localhost:3000

• Inspectr listens on port 8080
• Forwards traffic to your MCP server on port 3000
• Captures and displays traffic in the App UI at http://localhost:4004

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Step 3: Expose Your MCP Server Publicly

To allow external access:

inspectr \
  --listen=:8080 \
  --backend=http://localhost:3000 \
  --expose \
  --channel=mcp-demo \
  --channel-code=mcpserver123

Your MCP server is now available at:

https://mcp-demo.in-spectr.dev

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Monitor and Replay

Inspect all traffic in the Inspectr UI:

• Live requests and responses
• Request headers and bodies
• Replay past requests
• Filter by endpoint or method

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Summary

Inspectr makes it easy to:

• Expose your local MCP server to the internet
• Debug incoming traffic
• Share model tools and endpoints securely

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