Hi, guys. I'm a n00b with tcpip/winsock, and I'm curious about performance in a simple real-time game server/client.

What I'm doing:
-server takes control data from client (maybe 4-6 bytes) and process character positions, collisions etc.
-server sends a small packet of data (maybe 20-40 bytes) very often (ideally 60 times/sec for "real time" control but about 10 times/sec would be okay)
-client does nothing but update screen characters using coordinates provided by the server, and take in input to send back to the server.


My question:
-Should I keep a persistent connection open for each client, and send byte-length codes each time I send data? or
-Can I close/reopen the connections 10-60 times / sec?

-Also, can anyone offer other advice, pointers or links with regard to a very simple protocol that they've used?