What exactly is a USB C Data Only port able to do, and question about USB C hub with data only port.

[Jason-_-H]

So my laptop (HP 15z-ef2000) apparently has a USB C Data Only port. I'm aware that it means no USB PD, or USB video output (which would be thunderbolt, I think). 

But if I were to get a USB C hub, what would be the few things to avoid on that hub since it would be useless as the port is Data Only? Is it only avoid any display output ports, or are there others that I'm missing.

I mainly want to focus on ethernet, and probably USB 3 Type A ports. But would like to have as wide of a range of ports available that I can get out of a Data Only Type C port.

[TryToDoMybest · Accepted solution]

Hello

data only means you just have USB signals on USB-C connector.

if you connect an  external hub or docking with LAN, that LAN will be connected via USB. 

if you connect an external hub or docking with video output , HDMI , VGA or DisplayPort, it works only if there is a graphics card included in the external device. that graphics card will work via USB. Usually this means that the is a DisplayLink graphics chip on the hub/docking connected viaUSB-C.

what you don't have is DisplayPort signals on the USB-C connector, so you can't add an USB-C-to-HDMI adapter for example.

I don't know if on the market you can find USB-C-to-HDMI adapter which includes a DisplayLink graphics chip, in this case you can connect a video.

a standard USB-to-HDMI adapter works with a USB-C port with video signals without the need of a DIsplayLink chip.

from signasl point of view , you can imagine the USB-C data only port like an USB 3 Type A port but with a different connector but same functionnality.

I hope to have been clear.

bye