# FAQ ## AI gateway vs MCP gateway: which one do I need to manage AI tool access? > **Summary:** An MCP gateway only routes MCP traffic. Barndoor is an AI gateway that governs MCP servers and the models you use under one identity, policy, and audit layer. An MCP gateway only routes MCP traffic. An LLM gateway only routes and manages traffic to models. Barndoor governs both kinds of traffic, all under one identity, policy, and audit layer. Barndoor is an AI gateway. It sits between every model and MCP server your teams use, so every AI request is checked against access and data loss prevention policies, metered against token budgets, and auditable. Barndoor works with any model provider and any MCP server, including 100+ Barndoor-hosted MCP servers plus custom or official MCP servers you already use. Most teams are up and running in days: connect your identity provider, add your models and MCP servers, and set your policies. --- **Sources:** - [Barndoor home page, FAQ](https://barndoor.ai)