Troubleshoot website and domain issues with AI

The mcp-netutils server is created by the same developer who built Headers Live. You get the exact same network analysis capabilities that power this website, but packaged as a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for seamless integration with AI assistants like Claude, ChatGPT, and others.

No more switching between your AI chat and web browsers - get comprehensive network analysis directly in your AI conversations with the same reliable tools you trust on Headers Live.

Available MCP Tools

whois_query

Get domain registration information, registrar details, and contact information.

Try it on Headers Live →

tls_certificate_check

Analyze TLS certificate chains, validity, expiration, and security details.

Try it on Headers Live →

resolve_hostname

Convert hostnames to IP addresses and discover hosting provider information.

Try it on Headers Live →

local_dns_query

Perform DNS queries using your system's configured DNS servers for A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS, PTR, SOA, SRV, and TXT records.

Try it on Headers Live →

remote_dns_query

Secure DNS queries via Cloudflare and Google DNS-over-HTTPS with fallback support.

Try it on Headers Live →

ping

Test connectivity and measure ICMP response times to any host.

Network connectivity testing

http_ping

Test HTTP endpoints with detailed timing: DNS, connection, TLS, and time-to-first-byte.

Advanced HTTP performance testing

Installation Options

Docker (Recommended)

The easiest way to get started. Docker automatically downloads and runs the MCP server.

Editor Configuration:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "netutils": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "ghcr.io/patrickdappollonio/mcp-netutils:latest"
      ],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Binary Installation

Homebrew (macOS and Linux)

brew install patrickdappollonio/tap/mcp-netutils

GitHub Releases

Download pre-built binaries for your platform from the GitHub Releases page

Editor Configuration (after installing binary):
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "netutils": {
      "command": "mcp-netutils",
      "args": [],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Optional configuration: You can add flags like --timeout=5s, --ping-timeout=5s, --ping-count=4, etc. to the args array.

One-Click Install for Cursor

If you're using Cursor, you can install the MCP server with one click:

Install Docker Version in CursorInstall Binary Version in Cursor

The Docker version requires Docker to be installed. The binary version requires mcp-netutils to be in your PATH (install via Homebrew or download from GitHub Releases).

Install with Claude Code

If you're using Claude Code, run one of these commands in your terminal:

Docker Version
claude mcp add netutils --transport stdio -- docker run -i --rm ghcr.io/patrickdappollonio/mcp-netutils:latest
Binary Version (after installing via Homebrew or download)
claude mcp add netutils --transport stdio -- mcp-netutils

Use --scope user to make the server available across all projects, or --scope project to share it with your team via .mcp.json.

Seamless AI Integration

Direct AccessGet network analysis directly in your AI conversations
No Context SwitchingStop switching between browser and AI chat
Multiple AI SupportWorks with Claude, ChatGPT, and MCP-compatible assistants

Enhanced Capabilities

DNS QueriesLocal and remote DNS lookups with DoH support
Ping OperationsICMP and HTTP ping for connectivity testing
Performance TestingDetailed HTTP timing metrics

Privacy & Performance

Local ExecutionRun locally with no data sent to external services
Fast ResponseDirect queries without web interface overhead
Minimal FootprintLightweight binary with low resource usage

Easy Installation

DockerOne command to run anywhere
HomebrewSimple install on macOS and Linux
Pre-built BinariesReady for all major platforms

Trusted Developer

Same QualityBuilt by the creator of Headers Live
Proven ToolsSame reliable analysis you trust on this site
Active DevelopmentRegular updates and improvements

Open Source

MIT LicenseFree to use, modify, and distribute
Community SupportActive community and contributions welcome
TransparentFull source code available for review

What is Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

AI-Powered Network Diagnostics

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that allows AI assistants to interact with external tools and data sources. With mcp-netutils, you can ask your AI assistant to check domain information, verify SSL certificates, or test network connectivity without leaving your conversation.

Instead of manually copying data between browser tabs and chat windows, your AI can directly query WHOIS records, analyze TLS configurations, resolve DNS, and measure response times - all while maintaining the context of your troubleshooting session.

Streamlined Troubleshooting Workflow

When investigating website issues, you often need to check multiple data points: DNS records, SSL certificates, WHOIS information, and connectivity. With MCP integration, your AI assistant can gather all this information for you and present a comprehensive analysis.

Ask questions like 'Is example.com's SSL certificate valid?' or 'What are the DNS records for this domain?' and get instant, accurate answers using the same tools that power Headers Live.

Works With Your Favorite Tools

The MCP server integrates with Claude Desktop, Cursor, and other AI tools that support the Model Context Protocol. Configuration is straightforward - add a few lines to your editor's config file and you're ready to go.

Whether you prefer Docker for easy updates and isolation, or a native binary for minimal overhead, mcp-netutils fits into your existing workflow without friction.

Privacy-Focused Design

All queries are executed locally on your machine. The MCP server only makes the necessary network requests to perform the lookups you ask for - no telemetry, no data collection, no third-party services beyond the actual DNS and WHOIS servers.

Your domain research and network diagnostics stay private, making this tool suitable for investigating sensitive infrastructure or competitive analysis.