Perplexity via OpenRouter MCP Server

An MCP server implementation that provides access to Perplexity's Sonar models through OpenRouter.ai, offering AI assistants real-time web search, reasoning, and research capabilities.

This implementation uses the OpenRouter API endpoint to access Perplexity's models, providing unified access alongside other AI models available on OpenRouter.

Available Tools

perplexity_ask

General-purpose conversational AI with real-time web search using the perplexity/sonar-pro model via OpenRouter. Great for quick questions and everyday searches.

perplexity_research

Deep, comprehensive research using the perplexity/sonar-deep-research model via OpenRouter. Ideal for thorough analysis and detailed reports.

perplexity_reason

Advanced reasoning and problem-solving using the perplexity/sonar-reasoning-pro model via OpenRouter. Perfect for complex analytical tasks.

perplexity_search

Direct web search using the Perplexity Search API. Returns ranked search results with metadata, perfect for finding current information.

Note: This tool uses the direct Perplexity API endpoint (not OpenRouter) as OpenRouter does not currently support the Perplexity Search API. You'll need a separate PERPLEXITY_API_KEY to use this tool.

Configuration

Get Your API Keys

1. Get your OpenRouter API Key from OpenRouter
2. Set it as an environment variable: OPENROUTER_API_KEY=your_key_here
3. (Optional) If you want to use the perplexity_search tool, get a Perplexity API Key from the API Portal and set: PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_key_here
4. (Optional) Set a timeout for requests: OPENROUTER_TIMEOUT_MS=600000. The default is 5 minutes (300000ms).
5. (Optional) Set custom site identification: OPENROUTER_SITE_URL=your_site_url and OPENROUTER_SITE_NAME=your_site_name

Claude Code

Add to your claude.json or MCP configuration:

"mcpServers": {
  "perplexity-openrouter": {
    "type": "stdio",
    "command": "node",
    "args": ["/path/to/dist/index.js"],
    "env": {
      "OPENROUTER_API_KEY": "your_openrouter_key_here",
      "OPENROUTER_TIMEOUT_MS": "300000",
      "OPENROUTER_SITE_URL": "https://your-site-url.com",
      "OPENROUTER_SITE_NAME": "Your Site Name"
    }
  }
}

Cursor

Add to your mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity-openrouter": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "OPENROUTER_API_KEY": "your_openrouter_key_here",
        "OPENROUTER_TIMEOUT_MS": "300000"
      }
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop

Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity-openrouter": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "OPENROUTER_API_KEY": "your_openrouter_key_here",
        "OPENROUTER_TIMEOUT_MS": "300000"
      }
    }
  }
}

Development and Testing

To run the server locally:

1. Clone this repository
2. Install dependencies: npm install
3. Build the project: npm run build
4. Run with environment variables:

OPENROUTER_API_KEY=your_key node dist/index.js

Troubleshooting

• API Key Issues: Ensure OPENROUTER_API_KEY is set correctly
• Connection Errors: Check your internet connection and API key validity at OpenRouter
• Tool Not Found: Make sure the project is built (npm run build) and the path to dist/index.js is correct
• Timeout Errors: For very long research queries, set OPENROUTER_TIMEOUT_MS to a higher value (in milliseconds)
• perplexity_search tool errors: This tool requires a separate PERPLEXITY_API_KEY as it uses the direct Perplexity API

Why OpenRouter?

Using OpenRouter provides several benefits:

• Unified API for multiple AI models
• Automatic fallback to other providers
• Cost-effective routing
• Access to multiple Perplexity models and other AI models through a single API
• Built-in monitoring and usage tracking

For more information, visit OpenRouter.ai.

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