LLM Agent Communication Protocol (LACP) Requires Urgent Standardization: A Telecom-Inspired Protocol is Necessary

Xin Li, Mengbing Liu, Chau Yuen

Keywords: Multi-agent systems, Communication protocol, Language agents, Protocol standardization, Layered communication architecture, LLM infrastructure

TL;DR: We argue that LLM-agent ecosystems urgently require a unified, secure, and layered communication protocol—modeled after telecom standards—to overcome fragmentation and enable scalable, trustworthy multi-agent AI.

Abstract:

This position paper argues that the field of LLM agents requires a unified, telecom-inspired communication protocol to ensure safety, interoperability, and scalability, especially within the context of Next Generation (NextG) networks. Current ad-hoc communication methods are creating a fragmented ecosystem, reminiscent of the early "protocol wars" in networking, which stifles innovation and poses significant risks.
Drawing inspiration from the layered, standardized protocols that underpin modern telecommunications, we propose the LLM-Agent Communication Protocol (LACP). LACP establishes a three-layer architecture designed to ensure semantic clarity in communication, transactional integrity for complex tasks, and robust, built-in security. In this position paper, we argue that adopting a principled, universal protocol is not merely beneficial but essential for realizing the potential of distributed AI. Such a standard is critical for ensuring that multi-agent systems can operate safely and reliably in the complex, real-time applications envisioned for 6G and beyond.

Submission Number: 17