Download document () of 20
Send email
Download
You have exceeded the download limit
Docking stations explained
As laptops and tablets get smaler and thinner, there is less room for video, USB and Ethernet ports. In fact, the newer your laptop or tablet, the fewer ports it is likely to have.
The lack of ports creates a challenge when you need to access multiple peripherals or storage devices.
A docking station adds ports to your device with a single connection to a USB-C, Thunderbolt or USB-A port. It's a simple way to help you unleash the potential of your laptop and create a powerful multipurpose workstation.
Anyone who connects peripherals to a laptop needs a docking station. Newer laptops and tablets simply do not have many ports. As devices get smaller, there is less room for ports to accommodate peripherals like external monitors, keyboards, mice and headsets.
Docking stations can offer ports for video, audio, USB, Gigabit Ethernet, charging via Power Delivery (PD) and reading memory cards. With a connection to a single USB-C, Thunderbolt or USB-A port, a docking station can transform a laptop into a desktop workstation.
Depending on the model, docking stations can provide ports for a wide variety of applications:
Where are docking stations useful?
Docking stations are useful solutions for travel and permanent computer setups:
Some common places to use docking stations:
Buying a docking station? Features to look for
The port on your laptop or tablet determines the type of docking station you need.
DisplayPort Alternate Mode (DP Alt Mode) allows a compatible device to output HD (1080p) or UHD (4K or 8K) video through a docking station to an external television, monitor or projector without installing special software drivers. Some docking stations can support multiple external monitors simultaneously.
Video ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, DVI and VGA.
| External monitor support | ||||
| None | 1 monitor | 2 monitors | 3 monitors | |
| Eaton docking stations | U342-GU3* | B003-HC2-DOCK1 U342-SHG-001 U442-DOCK3-B U442-DOCK5-GY U442-DOCK5D-GY U442-DOCK10-S U442-DOCK11-S U442-DOCK13-S U442-DOCK14-MS U442-DOCK15-S U442-DOCK17-GY |
MTB3-DOCK-03 MTB3-DOCK-03INT MTB3-DOCK-04 U342-DHG-402 U442-DOCK1 U442-DOCK1-B U442-DOCK2-S U442-DOCK4-S U442-DOCK6-GY U442-DOCK8-GG U442-DOCK8G-GG U442-DOCK20-B U442-DOCK21-B U442-DOCK22-B |
U442-DOCK7D-B U442-DOCK8-B U442-DOCK12-S U442-DOCK16-B |
Docks with HDMI, DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort output deliver digital audio. Some docking stations also include a separate 3.5 mm audio output.
Power delivery (PD) technology passes through up to 60W or 100W (depending on model) from a USB-C charger to a connected laptop or other device. This is especially helpful for devices with only one USB-C port.
Thunderbolt is a signaling standard developed by Apple and Intel. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 have a maximum bandwidth of 40 Gbps.
USB-C solutions are typically compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports (applies to devices like computers, tablets and smartphones, not separate displays).
Learn more about Thunderbolt technology.
Docking stations with extra USB ports can connect the host device to peripherals and other devices, such as printers, external drives and smartphones. Docks are available with USB-A and USB-C ports.
Learn more about USB technology.
A Gigabit Ethernet port provides network connectivity when Wi-Fi is too slow or simply unavailable.
Built-in memory card readers transfer data to and from MicroSD, SD and MMC cards.
Hubs, switches and multiport adapters also add ports to a laptop or tablet using a single USB connection. See our full line of docking stations, hubs and multiport adapters.
MyEatonFAQs
