How to choose internet access for a self-built Agent? Comparing four options: built-in search, standalone API, MCP, and self-hosting
Author’s note: Adding web access to a self-built Agent involves 4 routes: built-in search, standalone search API, MCP, and self-hosted. Their integration and maintenance approaches differ. You should first look at the Agent’s runtime environment, cross-model requirements, and control capabilities, then compare search quality and cost. Adding web access to a self-built Agent is an…