Agentic RAG vs Traditional RAG in .NET (2026) — When Each Wins, Semantic Kernel Code, Production Metrics

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Traditional RAG by default; agentic RAG when the question requires multiple tools, multiple knowledge sources, or iteration. What makes a RAG "agentic" Traditional RAG = retrieve(question) → generate(prompt). Agentic RAG needs five pieces Tools — typed functions the agent can call (side-effect aware). Without router (everything agentic): 13,800 queries/day x $0.038 = ~$15,700/month With router (78% traditional, 22% agentic): 10,800 x $0.004 + 3,000 x $0.038 + 13,800 x $0.0002 (router) = ~$4,800/month Monthly savings: ~$10,900. Agentic RAG is plan → loop(tool → critique) → synthesize.

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