Maximize Your Workspace with Dell USB-C Docks
A guide to transitioning to USB-C docking solutions for enhanced connectivity, data transfer, and power delivery.
Introduction to USB-C Docking
Switch to USB-C docks today and reap the many benefits of USB-C. With USB-C setting a new standard for transmitting data, video, audio, and power, Dell has designed a comprehensive range of USB-C docks to help you reap these benefits and work seamlessly with the new range of thinner and lighter USB-C laptops.
One single cable connectivity for a clutter-free desk
USB-C provides a single industry-standard connection for multi-display video, audio, data transfer, and enough power to charge your laptop, 2-in-1, or mobile workstation, eliminating the need for multiple cables and maximizing your workspace.
Image: A black Dell USB-C dock (WD15 model).Fast and powerful connectivity
Dell Business Dock - WD15 and Dell Business Thunderbolt Dock - TB16 offer over 2 times more power charging than the industry standard, supporting more platforms, including Precision mobile workstations. Dell docks also support USB transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps, which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0. With Thunderbolt built into USB-C, it takes the speed of data and video transfer to the extremes, up to 40Gbps. Thunderbolt 3 also allows daisy chaining multiple devices and provides full bandwidth capabilities even to the last device in the chain.
Image: A black Dell Business Thunderbolt Dock (TB16 model).Convenient and easy to use
The reversible USB-C connector eliminates the need to flip to find the "right-side" up, as plugging in the cable any way works.
Image: A USB-C connector plug.Technology Explained
What is USB-C technology?
USB-C is a new industry standard, delivering high power and fast transfer speeds. With a symmetrical connector, it is easy to use as it fits into the port in any orientation. Its small connector size and ability to fulfill audio, video, data, and even power transfer in a single port means devices built with USB-C now need fewer ports for the same functions and can be built thinner and lighter.
What is Thunderbolt technology?
Thunderbolt 3 is a superset of capabilities running on USB-C connectors and cables. It is reversible and offers both high-speed data and video transfer of up to 40Gbps -- that's equivalent to taking just 30 seconds to transfer a 4GB full-length movie.
Why Choose Dell USB-C Docks
Dell docks offer reliability, comprehensive solutions, future-proofing, and enhanced productivity.
Reliable
With Dell docks, you can expect the same commitment to quality and reliability that you expect from Dell. Delivering full-featured and reliable docking solutions for over 20 years, Dell ensures that the docking solutions are designed to the standard USB-C specifications and enhance productivity in any environment.
Comprehensive
Whether you are hoteling in a mixed client environment or in a design studio requiring high-speed data transfers, Dell has the docking solution to suit your needs. Dell's range of USB-C docks helps you organize and declutter your workspace, offering the choice to mount your dock at the back of your monitor, set it on top of your desk, or use it with an integrated stand.
Futureproof
For over 10 years, Dell has created E-docks, providing solutions to extend your docks' lifespan, making them either backward compatible or providing possibilities for future upgradability. With the new USB-C docks, Dell continues to create easy-to-manage, robust, reliable, and long-lifecycle solutions, helping you maximize your return on investment.
Productive
Dell docks' business-class features optimize productivity when used with Dell laptops. They provide security features like port disablement when docked and improved remote management capability. Dell Business Docks also offer greater power and efficiency through ExpressCharge and power charging that is 2 times the industry standard and is easy to manage.
Enjoy these Business Class features when you pair Dell USB-C Business Docks with Dell laptops:
- Improved remote management and security: Remotely provision and image with PXE boot while docked; Troubleshoot, update, and manage while docked with Wake-on-LAN (WOL); Secure your environment with port disablement.
- Greater power and efficiency: Deliver up to 130W* of power charging -- over 2 times the industry standard; Save time and charge faster with ExpressCharge** through the dock; Power on or wake your system without opening the lid using the Dock Power button.
- Simplify management and notifications: Manage dock updates using the same tools you already use for your systems; Dell Command Update (DCU) checks for updates for your system and dock; Notifications for docking events and power keep you informed.
*Higher power delivery of up to 130W is supported only when used with Dell laptops.
**Available on select laptops with Express Charge feature only. With ExpressCharge feature, your laptop battery charges to greater than 80% after about an hour of charging and gets fully charged in about 2 hours with the system off when docked.
Docking Scenarios
Whatever your needs, Dell has just the right USB-C docking solution for you.
Dell Business Dock WD15
Essential dock for fast and easy connection to peripheral devices. Great for individual workspaces in the office/home or hoteling. Offers business class features¹ when used with Dell laptops. Option to place on the desk, under the desk, or mount it at the back of the monitor. Supports up to 130W* power delivery. Connects up to 2 displays.
Image: Dell Business Dock WD15.Dell Business Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000
Compact 2-in-1 design integrates monitor stand with dock, hiding cables within the stand for a clutter-free desk solution. Great for tight individual workspaces in the office/home or hoteling. Offers business class features¹ when used with Dell laptops. A second monitor can be connected via daisy chain, HDMI, or VGA port. Supports next to 90W* power delivery. Connects up to 2 displays.
Image: Dell Business Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000.Dell Business Thunderbolt Dock TB16
Ultimate docking solution for power users requiring multiple displays with high resolution. Great for graphic-intensive design studios and CAD/CAM engineering environments. Offers business class features¹ when used with Dell laptops. Enables lightning-fast data transfers of up to 40Gbps. Supports up to 130W* power delivery. Connects up to 3 displays.
Image: Dell Business Thunderbolt Dock TB16.Dell Universal Dock D6000
A universal dock that works with any laptop. Great for non-business environments with a mix of legacy, current Dell systems, and multi-vendor laptops with USB-C or USB3.0. Powered by DisplayLink technology. Supports up to 65W power delivery with USB-C connectivity. Connects up to 3 displays.
Image: Dell Universal Dock D6000.Ports at a Glance
Detailed port configurations for each Dell docking station model.
Dell Business Dock WD15
- 1. Docking station connector
- 2. HDMI
- 3. Mini-DP
- 4. VGA
- 5. RJ45 GbE
- 6. 2 x USB 2.0
- 7. Speaker-out
- 8. USB 3.0
- 9. 7.4 mm DC-in power input
- 10. Combo audio/ headset jack
- 11. USB 3.0 with Power Share
- 12. USB 3.0
- 13. Power adapter LED
- 14. Dock button
- 15. Kensington lock slot
Dell Business Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000
- 1. AC Power-in
- 2. USB 2.0 x 2
- 3. RJ45 GbE
- 4. VGA
- 5. HDMI
- 6. Speaker-out
- 7. Power button
- 8. USB 3.0 with Power Share
- 9. USB 3.0
- 10. Combo audio/ headset jack
* DisplayPort, USB 2.0 uplink, AC Power cables are housed within the monitor stand.
Diagram: Ports layout for Dell Business Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000.Dell Business Thunderbolt Dock TB16
- 1. VGA
- 2. HDMI
- 3. mDP
- 4. Full Size DP
- 5. RJ45 GbE
- 6. USB 2.0 (2x)
- 7. USB 3.0
- 8. Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
- 9. 7.4 mm DC-in Power Input
- 10. Speaker-out
- 11. Docking station connector
- 12. Combo audio/ headset jack
- 13. USB 3.0 w/ PowerShare
- 14. USB 3.0
- 15. Power adapter LED
- 16. Dock button
- 17. Kensington lock slot
Dell Universal Dock D6000
- 1. Combo audio/ headset jack
- 2. USB 3.0
- 3. USB 3.0/BC1.2
- 4. USB-C/BC1.2
- 5. LED indicator
- 6. Power input
- 7. HDMI
- 8. DP
- 9. DP
- 10. RJ45 GbE
- 11. USB 3.0
- 12. USB 3.0
- 13. Speaker-out
USB-C Docks Comparison Chart
Compare Dell USB-C and Thunderbolt docking stations based on key specifications.
| Feature | Dell Business Dock WD15 | Dell Business Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000 | Dell Business Thunderbolt Dock TB16 | Dell Universal Dock D6000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host connector | USB-C | USB-C | Thunderbolt 3 USB-C | USB-C or USB 3.0 |
| Power delivery to laptop | Up to 130W | Up to 90W | Up to 130W | Up to 65W with USB-C connectivity |
| Data | USB 3.1 (5Gbps) | USB 3.1 (5Gbps) | Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) | USB 3.1 (5Gbps) |
| Video (Max. # of displays/resolution) | Native - DP 1.2 Up to 2 displays: • 1 x 4K³ • 2 x FHD |
Native - DP 1.2 Up to 2 displays: • 1 x 4K³ • 2 x FHD |
Thunderbolt 3 Native - DP1.2 Up to 3 displays: • 1 x 5K • 2 x 4K • 3 x FHD |
Video Compression (DisplayLink) - DP 1.2 Up to 3 displays: • 1 x 5K • 2 x 4K • 3 x 4K⁴ |
| DisplayPort | - | 1 (within riser) | 1 | 2 |
| Mini-DisplayPort | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| HDMI | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| VGA | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| USB 3.0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| USB 2.0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | - |
| Thunderbolt 3 | - | - | 1 | - |
| RJ45 GbE | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Combo audio in/out | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Speaker out | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Business class features |
|
|
|
|
| Platform Compatibility⁵ | Precision/Latitude/XPS | Latitude/XPS | Precision/XPS/Latitude | PC with DisplayLink driver installation |
Business Class features [Only available on all Dell Business Docks (excludes Dell Universal Dock - D6000) and when used with Dell laptops.]
- PXE Boot - Pre eXecution Environment Boot allows a computer to be troubleshot remotely when connected to the network via its network card.
- Wake-On-LAN - Starts your PC remotely using the signal over your network.
- MAC address pass-through - Recognizes only a unique MAC address entered in the system's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) by overriding the dock or dongle MAC address every time your laptop is connected to the network, ensuring that your PC's MAC address stays the same no matter which USB-C dock you use.
- Port Disablement - Allows ports on the dock to be turned off remotely to keep confidential information secure.
- Power Delivery - Single cable offers data, audio, video, and power delivery of up to 130W.
- Wake-On-Dock button - Allows you to physically power/ turn on the laptop/ tablet by pressing the button.
- Wake-On-Dock - Automatically turns on your laptop -- that is powered down or on standby -- and connects to the peripherals attached when you dock.
- Dell Command Update (DCU) - Automatically checks for the latest BIOS, firmware, or drivers required for the dock and PC.
- Error messages and dock event notifications - Prompts you to switch to a right wattage when an insufficient power adapter is used with the dock. Also notifies firmware updates and port disablement.
¹ Dock offering varies across countries. Please check with your country sales rep on availability.
² 5K resolution = 5120 x 2880, 4K resolution = 3840 x 2160, FHD resolution = 1920 x 1080.
³ 4K resolution display at 30Hz.
⁴ Third 4K resolution display at 30Hz.
⁵ Dell follows the standard USB-C protocol. Full functionality with competitors' USB-C platforms may vary. Please refer to compatibility charts in Appendix.
⁶ Does not support business class features. For laptops requiring more than 65W of power, please also plug in your laptop power adapter.
⁷ The Dell Universal Dock - D6000 has both USB-C and USB3.0 connectivity; it displays the characteristics of USB 3.0 docking with DisplayLink under the Graphics section.
Types of Docking Solutions
An overview of different docking technologies available from Dell.
USB-C Docking
Image: A Dell USB-C docking station.Extending your traditional USB capabilities with native multi-display video, audio, data, and enough power delivery to charge your laptop with a single USB-C cable. Its reversible connection means it is easy and convenient to use, with no wrong orientation.
- Graphics: Native graphics⁷
- Native graphics performance: Native graphics performance⁷
- Drivers: No additional drivers needed⁷
- Power: Dock provides power to system
- Networking: USB Ethernet
- Audio: USB audio
- Supported Systems: Laptop with USB-C port
USB 3.0 Docking
Image: A Dell USB 3.0 docking station.Expanding your USB3.0 laptop or tablet connectivity to displays and peripherals devices is easy with a USB cable.
- Graphics: USB graphics
- Performance: Some graphics performance impact
- Drivers: DisplayLink driver required
- Power: No power provided by USB3.0
- Networking: USB Ethernet
- Audio: USB audio
- Supported Systems: Laptop with USB3.0 port
E-docking
Image: A Dell E-port docking station.Dell's proprietary docking solution for Latitude and Precision E-series. Dell laptops enable efficient connectivity to all your desktop peripherals and devices with a simple click into the dock.
- Graphics: Native graphics
- Native graphics performance: Native graphics performance
- Drivers: No additional drivers needed
- Power: Dock provides power to system
- Networking: Native Ethernet
- Audio: Native audio
- Supported Systems: Laptop with E-port
¹ Business class features like PXE Boot, MAC address pass through, Wake-On-LAN, Dell Command Update and Port disablement are offered to all Dell USB-C docks, except for the Dell Universal Dock D6000.
² 5K resolution = 5120 x 2880, 4K resolution = 3840 x 2160, FHD resolution = 1920 x 1080.
³ 4K resolution display at 30Hz.
⁴ Third 4K resolution display at 30Hz.
⁵ Dell follows the standard USB-C protocol. Full functionality with competitors' USB-C platforms may vary. Please refer to compatibility charts in Appendix.
⁶ Does not support business class features. For laptops requiring more than 65W of power, please also plug in your laptop power adapter.
⁷ The Dell Universal Dock - D6000 has both USB-C and USB3.0 connectivity; it displays the characteristics of USB 3.0 docking with DisplayLink under the Graphics section.
Appendix: Dell USB-C Docking Compatibility Matrix
Check platform compatibility for Dell docking stations.
| Platform | Dell Business Dock WD15 | Dell Business Dock with Monitor Stand DS1000 | Dell Business Thunderbolt Dock TB16 | Dell Universal Dock D6000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latitude 5175/5179 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 5280 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 5285 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 5289 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 5389 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 5480 H Discrete | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 5480 U or H UMA | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 5580 H Discrete | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 5580 U or H UMA | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 7275 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 7280 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 7285 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 7370 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 7380 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 7389 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Latitude 7480 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Latitude E5570 H Discrete | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Precision 3510 UMA | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Precision 3510 H Discrete | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Precision 3520 H UMA | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Precision 3520 H Discrete | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Precision 5510 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Precision 5520 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Precision 7510 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Precision 7520 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Precision 7710 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Precision 7720 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| XPS 12 9250 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| XPS 13 2-in-1 9365 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| XPS 13 9350 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| XPS 13 9360 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| XPS 15 9550 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| XPS 15 9560 | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Appendix: Adapter Compatibility Chart
Compatibility of power adapters with Dell docking stations.
| Platform | Dell Business Dock - WD15 | Dell Business Thunderbolt Dock - TB16 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130W | 180W | 180W | 240W | |
| Latitude 5175/5179 | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 5280 | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 5285 | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 5289 | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 5389 | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 5480 H Discrete | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 5480 U or H UMA | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 5580 H Discrete | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 5580 U or H UMA | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 7275 | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 7280 | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 7285 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 7370 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 7380 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 7389 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude 7480 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Latitude E5570 H Discrete | - | ▲ Supported | ● Recommended | ▲ Supported |
| Precision 3510 | - | ▲ Supported | - | ▲ Supported |
| Precision 3520 | - | ▲ Supported | - | ▲ Supported |
| Precision 5510 | - | ▲ Supported | - | ▲ Supported |
| Precision 5520 | - | ▲ Supported | - | ▲ Supported |
| Precision 7510⁹ | - | ▲ Supported | - | ▲ Supported |
| Precision 7520⁹ | - | ▲ Supported | - | ▲ Supported |
| Precision 7710⁹ | - | ▲ Supported | - | ▲ Supported |
| Precision 7720⁹ | - | ▲ Supported | - | ▲ Supported |
| XPS 12 9250 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported |
| XPS 13 2-in-1 9365 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported |
| XPS 13 9350 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported |
| XPS 13 9360 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported |
| XPS 15 9550 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported |
| XPS 15 9560 | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported | ▲ Supported |
● Recommended, ▲ Supported, - Not recommended
⁹ Precision 7510/7520/7710/7720 require the workstation power adapter for charging, as these systems require more power than 130W.
