Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C are now the de facto standards for external ports on laptops, tablets and Android smartphones. However design choices and size reduction often means that the number of ports provided by manufacturers is insufficient for many users. In addition many devices provide only Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C interfaces, yet there is an ongoing need to attach devices which use different connection technologies.

Docks and hubs solve these problems by utilizing a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port to add a selection of Ethernet, HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A and USB-C ports.