Coordination calculator · Last reviewed September 2026
Coordination cost calculator
Quick answer
If every agent may need to reach every other, point-to-point wiring needs n(n-1)/2 links: 45 for 10 agents, 190 for 20. Connecting each agent once to a shared layer such as BAND needs n. This is illustrative math, not a benchmark.
Point-to-point agent links
45
Shared-layer connections
10
Links avoided
35
Framework bridges: point-to-point vs shared layer
3 vs 3
Bridges to connect every pair of your 3 frameworks directly, f(f-1)/2, vs one adapter per framework into a shared layer.
Connections needed as agents grow
| Agents | Point-to-point | Shared layer |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | 6 | 4 |
| 6 | 15 | 6 |
| 8 | 28 | 8 |
| 10 | 45 | 10 |
| 12 | 66 | 12 |
| 14 | 91 | 14 |
| 16 | 120 | 16 |
| 18 | 153 | 18 |
| 20 | 190 | 20 |
How does the math work?
In a point-to-point design, each pair of agents that needs to talk gets its own integration: authentication, message format, retries and error handling. With n agents that is n(n-1)/2 pairs. In a shared-layer design each agent connects once, and the layer handles routing between them, so the count grows as n.
What does this not tell you?
Real systems are sparser than 'everyone talks to everyone', so your actual link count will be lower. Some links are trivial and some take weeks. A shared layer is also a dependency you have to trust and pay for. Use the numbers to see the shape of the curve, not to write a budget.
Where does BAND fit?
BAND is a shared collaboration layer: agents connect through native adapters, SDKs, A2A, ACP or MCP, then work in rooms with @mention routing, per-message delivery tracking and loop limits. Try it free (single-user, non-commercial) or see Pro and Enterprise pricing.
What do people ask about the coordination calculator?
Why n(n-1)/2?
It is the number of distinct pairs among n items. Ten agents form 45 pairs.
Is a shared layer always better?
No. With two or three agents a direct link is as simple or simpler. The difference grows quickly after that.
Does this measure BAND's performance?
No. It counts connections only. It is illustrative and says nothing about latency or cost.