Running open-source Puppet requires just one primary server to manage configurations across nodes. This central server compiles catalogs and distributes them to agents. Minimum specs start at 2 cores and 4 GB RAM for small setups, but larger deployments need more robust hardware.

High availability setups add compile masters to share the load and prevent downtime. These mirrors of the primary server improve scalability and reliability. PuppetDB enhances functionality by storing facts and enabling exported resources for dynamic integrations like auto-populating monitoring tools.

Administrators can choose from multiple operational modes including server-agent, serverless Puppet, Puppet Bolt, or local puppet apply. Each suits different infrastructure needs. Environments allow safe testing by isolating configurations, supporting workflows with version control systems like Git.