4 min read
|
Saved February 14, 2026
|
Copied!
Do you care about this?
This article breaks down the deAI stack into three layers: X402 for payments, ERC 8004 for service discovery, and A2A for agent communication. It explains how these components interact to enable transactions and data exchange among AI agents.
If you do, here's more
The deAI stack is structured into three key layers: application (X402), discovery (ERC 8004), and transport (A2A). X402 handles payments for services between AI agents, allowing them to transact using stablecoins. It builds on the old HTTP 402 status code, creating a workflow where a client requests a resource, receives a 402 response, and then pays through a facilitator that verifies the transaction and unlocks access to content. This system, while still evolving, shows promise for micropayments, particularly as it gains traction alongside certain memecoins that utilize this payment method.
ERC 8004 addresses how agents discover services, akin to how DNS maps domain names to IP addresses. It creates an on-chain registry that connects agent identities (AgentCards) with their functionalities. By using ERC721 tokens, it incorporates parameters like reputation scores and various standards that outline an agent's capabilities. This discovery layer aims to streamline the way agents find and interact with one another, similar to how DNS provides access to diverse resources on the Internet.
The A2A protocol, developed by Google, serves as the transport layer, enabling communication between agents once they've discovered each other. It works through JSON-RPC 2.0 over HTTPS, allowing agents to send requests and receive updates about tasks. Each agent's capabilities are advertised via their AgentCards. This setup not only facilitates communication but also ensures that agents can verify and coordinate their actions efficiently.
Together, these components form a comprehensive framework for the Agentic Internet, where agents can communicate, transact, and access resources seamlessly. This stack represents an evolution of how digital interactions might function, making automated processes more efficient and interconnected.
Questions about this article
No questions yet.