connect-as-client

Connect as Client

Register a running relay server as an MCP server in the local Claude install and authenticate as a client.

When to use

• After deploying a relay server with setup-relay-server
• Adding a second Claude instance to an existing relay
• Switching to a different relay endpoint

Inputs to gather

• Relay URL (e.g., http://ubuntuvm:8844)
• Client ID for this instance (e.g., claude-daniel-desktop)
• Optional shared bearer token (if the relay requires it)

Procedure

1. Prompt the user for relay URL, client_id, and optional token.
2. Call claude mcp add with HTTP streamable transport, passing the relay URL.
3. Invoke the relay_status MCP tool to verify connectivity.
4. If successful, write the chosen client_id and relay URL to ${CLAUDE_USER_DATA:-${XDG_DATA_HOME:-$HOME/.local/share}/claude-plugins}/agent-relay/client.toml.
5. Display the relay status and confirm the client is registered.

Output / side effects

• Relay registered in Claude's MCP config.
• client.toml persisted under $CLAUDE_USER_DATA/agent-relay/ with client_id and relay URL.
• User sees relay version, uptime, and a list of active sessions.

Safety / constraints

• Bearer token (if provided) is stored in plaintext in config; assume the user controls file permissions.
• Relay URL is validated with a live relay_status call before confirming registration.