Network switch compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports
Network switch compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 ports
Are there any devices that fit this description? Essentially a simple network switch featuring mostly USB-C connections instead of traditional Ethernet ports, maybe including power delivery for charging devices. I've been searching for one for some time, but haven't found anything. With Dell phasing out many ports on their business laptops, it's getting harder to keep up with the changing adapters.
USB serves as a host for specific device models, whereas Ethernet treats all devices equally. You can find hubs that link multiple devices to a single port, but not a switch. It seems you're looking for a USB-C hub with additional ports, and there are many options available, including products from Dell.
The idea of using a hub with additional ports isn't suitable for the solution we require. We're dealing with 16 laptops inside a cabinet equipped with two 8-port power strips and 16 AC adapters. Ideally, we'd want to remove them and install a USB-C Ethernet switch that provides both power and network access through its Thunderbolt 3 port—similar to a Dell docking station but featuring several Thunderbolt ports for multiple devices. In short, a dock with numerous USB-C/TB3 connections (no need for card readers, DP, HDMI, etc.) would be perfect.
Sadly, these items aren't available yet. We're only offering single USB C adapters at the moment. Keep your hopes up, though—powering many TB devices through one hub would need a strong device, and it wouldn't handle the Ethernet needs or cooling requirements. Still, it's an interesting idea and could really tidy up store displays.