Best practices for single server network?

Question

I have inherited a network consisting of 1 HPE Proliant DL160 Gen10, 3 HP managed switches and 3 Ubiquiti access points. We have less than 10TB of total data and we have roughly 50 devices on the network at 1 time. A mix of wireless and wired devices.

This server has Server 2019 Standard with NO virtualization currently set up. This is the only domain controller. It handles 6 shared printers, multiple shared drives/folders, DHCP, DNS, and AD DS.

1. Should I go through the trouble to get this server virtualized? If so, what would be a good source material for the process of doing this?
2. I am fairly new to virtualization. Will VMware Workstation 17 Pro accomplish this? Should I stick with Hyper-V?

*I want to try and go with Best Practices but I know that is not always possible.

1. How do I find out what the current license has available?

I wasn't here when these things were purchased and no documentation is available. I know it is based on cores but how do I find out what the current status is?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Hello

Thank you for your question and reaching out.

As you have Windows Server 2019 Standard you can host up to 4 VMs using Hyper-V role.

It is also to Introduce Backup DC or ADC incase if the Primary DC goes Down.

You can also use Print Services , DNS, DHCP role in different VM.

Yes you can also use VMware Workstation 17 If you have valid licenses and as you have small Network.

https://aka.ms/WindowsServerLicensingGuide

https://www.microsoft.com/licensing/docs/view/Windows-Server

--If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept as answer--