USB-C docking station G5 network problems

[DiSc42]

Hello community,

We have a problem with the ProBook 650 G8 notebook in combination with the USB-C docking station G5.

When the network is operated via the docking station, there are short network interruptions again and again.
The connection is gone for about 5 seconds and comes back again. This is especially noticeable when data is uploaded or downloaded to the network.

However, if the network cable is plugged directly into the notebook, there are no problems.
We have 3 same model with the corresponding G5 docking station. We have the same problem on all three models.

What has been done so far:

- USB-C docking station G5 & Probook G8 firmware and driver update:
BIOS:
https://support.hp.com/at-de/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-probook-650-g8-notebook-pc/37934587/sw...
THUNDERBOLT DCH:
https://support.hp.com/at-de/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-probook-650-g8-notebook-pc/37934587/sw...
FIRMWARE:
https://support.hp.com/de-de/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-usb-c-dock-g5/27767205/swItemId/ob-267...
LAN:
https://support.hp.com/de-de/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-usb-c-dock-g5/27767205/swItemId/ob-241...
DOCK ETHERNET (with dock and LAN on it)
https://support.hp.com/us-en/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-usb-c-dock-g5/27767205/swItemId/ob-260...
INTEL NIC:
https://support.hp.com/at-de/drivers/selfservice/swdetails/hp-probook-650-g8-notebook-pc/37934587/sw...

- All HP updates updated via HP Support Assistand as well as HP Image Assistant.

- HP Diagnostics 7.8.0 -> Extended System Test (run 3 times) -> no errors

- BIOS Setting / MAC Address Pass Through tested in all variants. (Disabled / Reuse System Address & Integrated LAN Address).

- Windows 10 20H2 up to date (Build 19042.804)

I would also like to mention that we also had the Thunderbolt G2 in use for a short time. The problem with them was that the connected monitors (DP->DP) did not display any images after a reboot or even when the monitor briefly went into energy-saving mode. Only pulling the plug helped.
I can't say if there were network problems on the Thunderbolt as well. We were fixated on the problem with the monitor and ended up complaining about these docks G2.

For testing purposes and to curb the problem a bit, we got the USB-C Mini Dock, unfortunately with the same result as the USB-C Dock G5.

I'm starting to think that it's not the docks, but rather the USB-C port of the notebook.

Does anyone have the same or similar problems or other solutions?

Thanks in advance!

[DannyLoyens]

We have the same problem with ProBook 650 G8 notebook and the USB-C Dock G5. Connected directly to the notebook there are no network interruptions.

If the problems are related with the USB-C connection, shouldn't there also be problems with the screen connection?

[RR18]

Hi there,

we have exactly the same issue at our company, same Notebooks and the same Docking Stations. Also we flashed the new firmware via Support Assistant. The problem still persists. When using a different Notebook (in my case an EliteBook 650 G5) connected to the G5 Dock, the ethernet connection is fine, no interruptions, everything works well. But as soon as we connect the ProBook 650 G8 to the Dock, the connection is faulty.

So I hope that there will be an Update provided by HP to fix this issue in the near future as we need to provide the Notebooks and Docking Stations to some Workers.

Thanks in advance!

[albzundy]

Same network interruptions with USB-C G5 and Thunderbolt G2 Dock paired with Probook 650 G8 ...

[DiSc42]

I think I found a solution to the problem.
That helped us:

Network adapters Realtek USB network controller -> Properties -> "Configure" -> "Advanced" -> Idle Power Saving > Disable.

After the change we didn't have any network crashes.

I hope this solution helps you.

[albzundy]

Tried this setting on a Probook 650 G8 with Thunderbolt G2 Dock but the problem isn't resolved, 😞

[Sabbath927]

Same issue here. We have 4 of these and all have the problem except one. HP has replaced three of the docks twice now but the problem persists. We're hoping a firmware update fixed it. The last firmware update for these was for a video issue. 

[prfabien]

Same problem here...

[Sabbath927]

The above solution has worked on 2 of the 4 docks/systems we have and the other 2 I just changed and are watching for results.  

Network adapters Realtek USB network controller -> Properties -> "Configure" -> "Advanced" -> Idle Power Saving > Disable.

[Sabbath927]

Network adapters Realtek USB network controller -> Properties -> "Configure" -> "Advanced" -> Idle Power Saving > Disable.

This has worked for 2 of my four and the other two I'm watching now for the results.