3
\$\begingroup\$

So laptops with thunderbolt 3 are pretty common, docks are common, every other kind of USB seems to be able to be used with a hub. I know thunderbolt 3 can be daisy chained, theoretically eliminating the need for a hub. That's not the point, the point is that I have never seen a simple hub that allows you to plug in a thunderbolt 3 laptop with 1 cable and expand it to connect multiple thunderbolt 3 devices directly to 1 hub through several USB C ports. Why is that? I get the sense that the answer is something along the lines of "Because Thunderbolt 3 is much more complex than USB and can hardly be called USB" or "It has something to do with network topology because the way it connects multiple devices makes it a network" or maybe even something to do with CPU PCIe lanes. Unfortunately I can't find a straightforward but in depth and technical answer anywhere.

\$\endgroup\$
4
  • 2
    \$\begingroup\$ Please capitalise brand names properly for clarity. See Write to the best of your ability on the site's help pages. \$\endgroup\$
    – Transistor
    Commented Apr 1, 2021 at 19:15
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Daisy-chain and star topolgy tend to be mutually exclusive. \$\endgroup\$
    – DKNguyen
    Commented Apr 1, 2021 at 20:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ I suspect the reason is that Intel only makes a limited number of Thunderbolt controllers and none are good fit for a hub. \$\endgroup\$
    – user1850479
    Commented Apr 1, 2021 at 20:17
  • \$\begingroup\$ Just wanna point out that daisy chain topology isn’t always mandatory. I2C is a bus topology but Sparkfun Qwiic connect is a daisy chain connection I2C based system. USB is a bit different cause its point to point but that still doesn’t explain why you couldn’t multiplex the connection or why it’s possible to daisy chain it \$\endgroup\$
    – Delaney Fitzpatrick
    Commented May 7, 2021 at 16:11

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
0
\$\begingroup\$

We use "HP Thunderbolt Dock 230W G2" in our company and as far as I know there is a Thunderbolt-Port. So I think it's possible?

\$\endgroup\$
1
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Does that dock actually multiplex a thunderbolt peripheral and one or more thunderbolt ports? \$\endgroup\$
    – nanofarad
    Commented May 5, 2021 at 16:14

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.