A2A (Agent-to-Agent)
A2A (Agent-to-Agent)
Start with meaning, then move to detail.
This lesson explains A2A (Agent-to-Agent) as part of operating Hermes with explicit security boundaries. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.
If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?
For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.
For advanced readers, inspect When to use A2A, Enable, Outbound: calling other agents, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.
You only need to know which files and accounts the agent may access.
A clear outcome before you read.
- Understand A2A (Agent-to-Agent) without assumed prior knowledge.
- Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
- Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Short definitions before the details.
- Provider
- The service that runs or provides access and authentication to a model.
- Approval & sandbox
- Approval pauses a sensitive action before execution; sandboxing limits impact if something goes wrong.
What does the source say, and in what order?
- 01When to use A2A
Start here to understand the core idea or structure.
- 02Enable
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 03Outbound: calling other agents
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 04Inbound: being callable
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 05Security model
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 06Configuration reference
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 07Quick test
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 08Troubleshooting
Finish here to verify the result and special cases.
Copy only after you understand the effect.
hermes gateway setup # pick A2Agateway:
platforms:
a2a:
enabled: true
extra:
port: 9900a2a_agents:
researcher:
url: "http://research-box.local:9900"
auth: { type: bearer, token: "..." }
timeout: 120
capabilities: [web_search, research]Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.