A docking station contains internal controllers that split a high-speed host connection, such as Thunderbolt or USB-C, into multiple discrete interfaces like HDMI, Ethernet, and standard USB. It allows users to convert a portable device into a full desktop workstation with a single plug. High-end docking stations also negotiate power delivery to charge the host device simultaneously.
Make sure the docking station supports dual 4K monitors before you order them for the engineering team.
Related terms
Dock
A base station that provides power and peripheral connections to a portable electronic device.
Thunderbolt
A high-speed hardware interface standard that combines PCI Express, DisplayPort, and power delivery.
IO
The abbreviation for input and output, referring to communication between a system and external devices.