TCP/IP settings

Hello,
I use TCP/IP for realtime communication. We just found out that the com rate is real slow. I'd like to know if there is any setting I could adjust to make communication faster.

I am running NT 4.0 and I send 4 bytes of data per packet. I don't know if the TCP/IP will send the packet even if there is nothing but 4 bytes in it?!? or else will it wait for some other incoming data?!

I really need help. Anything you know about TCP/IP setting is welcome.
Thank you in advance.

Where there is a WISH, there is a WILL.