Which statement accurately contrasts agent-based and agentless configuration management tools?

Agentless tools, such as Ansible, operate over standard protocols like SSH or WinRM, directly connecting to managed nodes. This eliminates the need for a persistent agent or a dedicated messaging system between a master server and the managed nodes (slaves). Agent-based tools, like Puppet or Chef, require an agent software installed on each managed node. This agent communicates with a master server, often using a messaging system or API calls, to receive configuration instructions and report status. Agent-based tools do require additional software (the agent) on slave nodes, and often use high-level language interpreters (like Ruby for Puppet/Chef) to execute configurations. Agentless tools do not typically use proxy nodes; they connect directly.