Home / Glossary
Dock terms explained
Understand USB4, Thunderbolt, DisplayLink, charging and display-bandwidth terminology.
#
D
DisplayLink
DisplayLink is a USB graphics technology used by some docks and adapters to connect displays through a computer’s USB connection, typically with supporting software or drivers.
Learn moreDisplayPort
DisplayPort is a digital display connection used to send video, and often audio, between compatible devices such as computers, monitors, docks, and adapters.
Learn moreDisplayPort Alt Mode
DisplayPort Alt Mode lets a USB-C connection carry DisplayPort video from a compatible host device to a dock, monitor, or adapter. It is a capability, not a performance rating.
Learn moredownstream ports
Downstream ports are the connections on a docking station or hub that attach peripherals such as displays, storage, keyboards, or network devices. They face away from the host computer.
Learn moreDP 1.4
DP 1.4 means DisplayPort version 1.4, a video and audio connection standard. It identifies the interface generation, but does not by itself guarantee a specific resolution, refresh rate, or feature set.
Learn moreDP 2.1
DP 2.1 is a DisplayPort standard revision for sending video and audio between a source device and a display. The label identifies the interface standard, not the monitor’s overall quality or guaranteed performance.
Learn moreDSC
DSC usually means Display Screen Cable, a cable that connects a laptop display assembly to the computer. Confirm the exact part and revision before ordering.
Learn moreE
H
HBR3
HBR3 means DisplayPort High Bit Rate 3, a high-speed DisplayPort link mode. It indicates link bandwidth, not a guaranteed resolution, refresh rate, or picture-quality result.
Learn moreHDMI
HDMI is a digital connection for carrying video and audio between compatible devices. On DockFit products, the label may describe a display port, a hub interface, or both.
Learn moreHDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.1 is a newer HDMI specification that can support higher bandwidth and features such as higher refresh rates, VRR, and eARC. A product label does not confirm every optional feature.
Learn morehost bandwidth
Host bandwidth is the data capacity of the connection between a dock and the computer or other host device. It affects how much data the dock can carry to and from connected peripherals.
Learn moreM
P
passthrough charging
Passthrough charging lets a dock or hub receive power from a charger and pass it through to the connected host device, usually while the dock handles other connections.
Learn morePD wattage
PD wattage is the maximum power, measured in watts, that a USB-C Power Delivery connection is rated to provide or accept. It helps indicate charging capacity, not overall product quality.
Learn moreport replicator
A port replicator is a dock-like accessory that connects to a laptop and provides additional ports, such as USB, video, serial, or parallel connections.
Learn moreT
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt is a high-speed connection standard used to link compatible computers, docks, displays, storage, and other devices through a compatible port and cable.
Learn moreThunderbolt 3
Thunderbolt 3 is a high-speed connection standard that uses a USB-C connector for data, displays, and sometimes power. Its presence does not by itself indicate a product’s exact speed, display support, or charging capacity.
Learn moreThunderbolt 4
Thunderbolt 4 is a high-bandwidth connection standard that uses the USB-C connector to carry data, displays, and other connections through compatible docks and computers.
Learn moreThunderbolt 5
Thunderbolt 5 is a high-bandwidth interface used over a USB-C connector. On a dock, it commonly identifies the computer-facing host connection, but the label alone does not guarantee every supported feature.
Learn moreU
upstream port
An upstream port connects a dock to the host computer. It carries data and may also carry video or power, depending on the port standard and the dock’s implementation.
Learn moreUSB4
USB4 is a USB-C connection standard for high-speed data, display, and other device traffic. Its actual capabilities depend on the version and implementation in the host, dock, cable, and connected device.
Learn moreUSB-C
USB-C is a reversible connector and connection standard used for data, displays, and power. A USB-C port’s actual capabilities depend on the device, port, cable, and product specifications.
Learn moreUSB Power Delivery
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a USB-C power-negotiation standard that lets compatible devices agree on how much power to provide. A product listing may also state a maximum PD wattage.
Learn more