Docking stations come with different types of docking interfaces. It is important to identify the type of docking interface that is available on the computer. Below are the different types of docking interfaces on Dell laptops.
- Dell E-port or D-port - Proprietary docking solution for Dell Latitude and Dell Precision E-series. Dell docking stations provide efficient connectivity to all desktop devices with a simple click into the dock. Available mostly on Dell Latitude laptops and certain Precision mobile workstations.
- Thunderbolt 4 - Thunderbolt 4 docking station allows several devices to connect to the laptop using a single USB-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multiple display video, audio, data, and power delivery (on select Dell laptops) to charge the laptop with a single USB-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
Note: All the Thunderbolt over USB Type-C protocol 's backwards compatible with older Thunderbolt USB Type-C protocols. AThunderbolt 4 computer works with aThunderbolt 3 dock without any added drivers, cables, or adapters. However, it is limited to using the Thunderbolt 3 protocols.
- DisplayPort over USB-C - USB-C docking station allows several devices to connect to the laptop using a single USB-C cable. Extend the traditional USB capabilities with native multiple display video, audio, data, and power delivery (on select Dell laptops) to charge the laptop with a single USB-C cable. The reversible connector is convenient to use USB-C, with no wrong orientation.
- USB 3.0 - Universal docking stations work with DisplayLink technology that enables docking features over USB. The universal docking solution enables multiple monitors, audio, Ethernet, and other USB devices to be connected to laptops through USB. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop.
To learn about Dell docking stations based on the docking interface, see the Dell Docking Station Support Resources section of this Dell Knowledge Base article.
Look for the Thunderbolt icon next to the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a Thunderbolt port.
To learn more about Thunderbolt, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to Thunderbolt
Look for the DisplayPort icon next to the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort alternate mode.
To learn more about DisplayPort, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
Universal docking station
Universal docking stations work with DisplayLink technology that enables docking features over USB. The universal docking solution enables multiple monitors, audio, Ethernet, and other USB devices to be connected to laptops through USB. Works best with USB 3.0 ports on the laptop.
NOTE: Dell universal docking stations are compatible with any laptop that has a USB 3.0 port.
The Dell universal docking station UD22 is the first universal dock that has moved from USB 3.0 to USB 3.2 Type-C for its main connection.
USB-C docking station
USB-C docking stations like Dell Docking Station WD19 or WD15 are designed to work with laptops with a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode enabled. Look for the DisplayPort icon on the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode.
NOTE: Dell USB-C docking stations are compatible with USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C. Look for the DisplayPort icon on the USB-C port to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort alternate mode on the USB-C port.
To learn more about DisplayPort over USB-C, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
Thunderbolt docking station
Thunderbolt docking stations like Dell Thunderbolt Dock TB16, TB18DC, WD19TB/WD19TBS, and the WD22TB4 are designed to work with laptops with a Thunderbolt port. Thunderbolt defines a superset of capabilities that runs on a USB-C connector and cable. In brief, Thunderbolt 3 brought Thunderbolt technology to USB-C and our latest dock and laptops are now using Thunderbolt 4.
NOTE: Older Dell Thunderbolt docking stations are compatible only with a Thunderbolt 3 port. Look for the Thunderbolt icon next to the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a Thunderbolt port. To learn more about Thunderbolt, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to Thunderbolt over USB-C
- At 40 Gbps, Thunderbolt 4 is the fastest connection available. By comparison, native USB 3.2 operates at 10 Gbps.
- Thunderbolt 3 supports a 16 Gbit/s data rate using PCI express. Thunderbolt 4 supports twice that with a 32 Gbit/s data rate.
- With a Thunderbolt 4 port, you can connect to any dock, device, or display, including billions of USB devices.
USB-C docking station
USB-C docking stations like Dell Docking Station WD19/WD19S or HD22Q are designed to work with laptops with a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode enabled. Look for the DisplayPort icon on the USB-C port to identify if the laptop is equipped with a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode.
NOTE: Dell USB-C docking stations are compatible with USB-C port that supports DisplayPort over USB-C. Look for the DisplayPort icon on the USB-C port to identify if the laptop supports DisplayPort alternate mode on the USB-C port. To learn more about DisplayPort over USB-C, see the Dell Knowledge Base article Guide to DisplayPort over USB-C
You can dock(connect) or undock(disconnect) a laptop without first powering off the laptop or even logging out of Windows. This method is known as hot docking. There is no need to create docked or undocked profiles on the laptop. When a laptop is connected to the docking station, the operating system automatically recognizes the connected devices and adjusts.
Dell Technologies recommends using the highest-quality USB-C cable that was shipped with the docking station. These cables can deliver power while maintaining optimal signal quality for both USB data and video. Some third-party USB-C cables are found to have quality issues that may affect the performance.
