There are many variables in figurng out the best setup for your particular workflow. It was pretty much trial and error to come up with something that works for my setup and how I like to operate.
Personally, I would rather have multiple slaves machines running i9's than big beast running Zeons. Which is better? again, it depends...blah blah blah. :)
NIC= Network Interface Card
I have had good luck putting multiple NICs in my machines and then all my VEP connections are run thoug their own switch. Here is what I am running in my PC's.
- Intel Gigabit CT PCI-E Network Adapter EXPI9301CTBLK
- NetGear 5 Port switch (GS105NA)
I use RDP to control my machines from my main DAW, but I have it on its own network. I dont run anything else across my VEP network connections. I block the VEP app at the firewall level on the nics I dont want popping up when trying to connect a RACK instrument.
Another thought: While this forum is helpful, there are other resources much more active where these kinds of topics are discussed alot. VI-Control is one that I have learned a lot from just reading other peoples discussions on the same topics myself. There are many users of VEP on that forum. This forum is useful too, particularly with VEP issues. But, it can also have alot of cricket sounds at times when one is asking for suggestions. Just my experience. YMMV