Extra lag through a switch? VNC Questions.

[BG4533]

I am in the process of switching from Windows to Linux, but I still need Windows for some things now. In my quest to learn Linux I keep killing it, so that is another reason for the need for Windows. Anyway, I have the extra parts, so I figured I might as well set up a linux box and a windows box. Both of these will be connected to a cheap Gigafast 10/100 switch and then to my DLink614+ router. I only have one monitor for this setup and I would like to use VNC (probably Ultra VNC) to connect to each computer. Basically, I want to run linux mainly, but have a desktop with a Windows VNC session on it. My question is whether it would be beneficial to connect the machines directly by crossover cable and then each also have its own connection to the switch as well, or will it be the same as just having them connect to the switch? These computers will be able to communicate without having to go outside the switch, correct? I will also have a cheap KVM, but I figured this way would be easier for quick trips to Windows and just as good. Not to mention I could VNC into the Linux box and get access to Linux and Windows. What do people think?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Matthias99]

The direct connection is unnecessary -- 10/100 switches (even cheap ones) have several GB/sec of internal bandwidth, and it adds no more than 1-2ms of lag tops (unnoticeable in practice). Yes, they'll send their data through the switch rather than the router (or at least they should).