Ethernet via Thunderbolt 3 docking stations not reliable

[JimE007]

So just received my new notebook - very pretty - a Spectre X360 with the Gen9 - i7 processor - 512GB memory with Optane - OLED display.  Overall i am very pleased with the unit - HOWEVER (you know there had to be one) - I am find the docking station ethernet to be totally unreliable.  I have used a WavLink thunderbolt dock, a CalDigit thunderbolt dock and 2 different low end hubs (forget the specifics at the moment).  All of them have the same issue to varying degrees.  Simply that the wired ethernet stops working.  The specific timing and load seem totally random/dynamic (will detail examples below).

Now I have tried multiple routers, cables, and validated Bios and drivers are the latest - none of these have resulted in any changes.  Also note my Bro-In-Law bought the same system - and is having the same issues (so that is two computers, 3 routers, multiple cables,  and several different dock/hub hardware solutions.

Now how did this start.  Well first was attempting to transfer old computer to HP - it would run for 15-20 min (about 20-30G) and lose connection.   A reset to the Dock - or unplug/plug thunderbolt connector would restore operations.  This repeated 4 more times.   I shifted to a portable Hub - one of the no-name (ikling?) units - and basically the same situation except it ran a bit longer between failures (20-25min).  I finally surrendered and used the WiFi of the HP and finished the last 300G (without issue).    Bro-In-Law had same issue but at a faster rate.

Then I attempted to run a LAN Benchmark utility - it would run for 15 to 30 seconds - and then stop.  It does not auto-recover - but it would run fine with a power cycle to the dock.

At this point i didnt have a clue how to determine the failure and had streaming music in the background - and after about 2 hours - crash and burn.  Repeated this twice more.

I can say that the DeviceManager - Network - EthernetXXX (depending on the device) had a driver error (i.e. not working) and the typical windows reset recovery did not work.  One time i even had a USB failure that the entire dock disappeared (until this occurrence the other aspects of the hub/dock worked).

So I decided it was a docking station issue returned the wavlink - searched for the best recommended unit and found the CalDigit  TS3Plus.  Well it has the same failure with LAN Bench testing.  I dont have to transfer the application again - so dont have that testing option.  But I am streaming music at the moment - will update once I have 3-4 hours running (or crash).

SideNote:  Wife has the 8th Gen version of the same notebook - and none of the transfer challenges manifested.  And there have been NONE of these other issue.  However she mostly runs wireless - so I have limited data beyond the transfer but that was 11 hours and no issues.

Given this is a very new computer and along with the new Gen9 processor - I am wondering if this is something new - or ????

Anyway - appreciate any and all thoughts and comments.

[Riddle_Decipher]

@JimE007 Greetings from the HP Community!

Note: Please ensure the complete product name/number for a quicker response from the community, as we need to know what we are dealing with to provide an accurate solution: 

Click here for steps on finding the information we need!

Remember: Do not share any of your personal information such as serial, phone number, email ID, etc.

Meanwhile, I must let you know that most docking stations are only compatible with commercial product line and not the consumer line of products, hence I'd request you to share the model name of the docking station in your possession so I could check the details and compatibility for the same.

Keep us posted,

If you would like to thank us for our efforts to help you, 

Give us a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below, followed by clicking on the "Accept as solution" on this post, 

Have a great day!

[JimE007]

Additional Information:

  Computer:  HP Spectre X360 2in1 - Gen9 i7 processor running Win10 Home.

  Docking Station 1:  WAVLINK USB C Dual 4K Docking Station with 60W Power Delivery, Dual 4K@60Hz or Single 5K@60Hz Monitor Laptop DisplayLink Dock,2xDisplay Port 1.2, 2xHDMI 2.0, 6xUSB 3.0 Port, Gigabit Ethernet, Audio.  This one failed constantly and with minor ethernet load (streaming XM audio)

  Hub 1:  Amazon: USB C Hub Multiport Adapter,JAJ 8-in-1 HDMI Type C Hub with Ethernet Ports, 4K HDMI,100W Power Delivery,SD/TF Card Reader,3 USB,for MacBook Pro/Air(Thunderbolt 3).

Failed repeatedly doing data transfer - about 20min each time

  Docking Station 2:  CalDigit TS3 Plus -- This one appears to be working fairly well.  Had one lockup of the entire system the first day - but have been using it now and seems fairly solid.

Big comment: If docking stations don't work with this line of computers - it should be stated somewhere. 

I felt as long as I the dock requirements covered (processor, memory, thunderbolt3, etc) that it should work. 

What am I missing here - what does the commercial line of notebooks do differently to work with docking stations?  Perhaps I need to return this one and get something "better".

thanks 

[JimE007]

Adding even more information:

Hub2:  VAVA -- VA-UC006 ---USB C Hub 9-in-1 Adapter with PD Power Delivery, 4K USB C to HDMI, USB 3.0 Ports, 1Gbps Ethernet Port, SD/TF Cards Reader -- This one seems to be doing well - again not doing machine transfers again - but have it loaded with ethernet, HDMI, PD, USB Drive - and it is running strong

The Wavlink Dock noted in previous reply - forgot model number -- it is Model: WLAM2C-UG69PD2

Thanks again for the support.  Just want a happy system 🙂

[The_Fossette]

@JimE007,

Please follow the steps in the below link to find the product details of your computer. I will need the product number of your computer to give you an accurate solution.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00033108

Cheers!

[JimE007]

Per Request Product:  6YG70AV

I really appreciate the help. 

One item I would really liked answered - based on the statement from the previous idividual - are docking stations NOT viable for consumer products?   If this is just "they are not tested/verified" that is fine - but if there is some underlying reason (i.e. H/W difference or such) - I would really like a definitive answer.  Thanks

[asmita6658]

Hi @JimE007

I have brought your issue to the attention of an appropriate team within HP. They will likely request information from you in order to look up your case details or product serial number. Please look for a private message from an identified HP contact. Additionally, keep in mind not to publicly post personal information (serial numbers and case details).

Thank you for visiting the HP Support Community.