Overview
UFV is utilizing Dell HUB monitors as an alternative to docking stations. This article exists to provide information about how the monitors are setup, how they are used, and how to troubleshoot some common issues.
For detailed information about the Dell HUB monitors, please review the Dell User Guide found here: Dell P2422HE & Dell P2722HE
Setup
Dell HUB monitors act as both a docking station and monitor in one streamlined package. As a result, the steps that go into setting up the HUB are very similar to those of a docking station.
HUB monitors will have a minimum of 3 cables plugged into them, but depending on the user’s setup may have more. The three main cables are:
- Power – Supplies power to the HUB monitor.
- Ethernet – Supplies the network/internet connection.
- USB-C cable – Connects the HUB to the laptop.
Other cables that may be used, depending on the setup:
- Display port cable.
- There are two Display ports on the back of the HUB Monitor, only one of them will allow the user to connect a secondary display to the HUB.
- USB-B Cable
- A USB-B cable can be used to connect a second monitor to the HUB in order to activate its USB ports. This cable only activates the ports, it does not provide any other form of connection.
In addition to the cables mentioned above, users may also plug USB devices into their HUB monitor using one of its 4 available USB ports.
Everyday Use
Once the HUB monitor has been setup by the Support team, using it should be straight forward. The HUB monitor should automatically extend or duplicate a laptop’s display and connect to the network, when connected to a laptop using the USB-C cable. A laptop must be plugged in to use the HUB; HUB monitors are not stand-alone devices such as an AIO, they are a dock and monitor combined not a computer.
The HUB monitor can be turned off/on using the button located on the back, although users should not need to turn the HUB off as it will go into standby mode when disconnected from the laptop.
Known Issues
Like all devices, HUB monitors are not immune to occasionally experiencing issues. In this section you will find some of the more common issues, and the basic troubleshooting steps that may resolve them.
HUB Monitor display is blank (no display errors)
There can be numerous points of failure that cause this issue, the following are the steps that users can try on their own:
- Check that the monitor is plugged in.
A loose connection can cause the monitor to have no display. The power cable should be checked on both ends to ensure neither is loose.
- Check that the monitor is turned on.
If the connection on both sides of the power cable is firm/solid, the monitor may be turned off. The monitor can be turned off/on using the power button located on the back.
HUB monitor display is blank (display input error was seen)
- Check the input setting.
The input on the HUB monitor should be set to USB-C or Auto. If there is doubt as to which option should be selected, select auto.
- Try disconnecting the laptop from the HUB.
On occasion the HUB monitor may not connect to the laptop properly when initially plugged in. Unplugging the laptop and plugging it back in can help reset the connection.
- Check the USB-C cables connection.
It is possible for the cable that connects the laptop to the HUB monitor to become loose if it is accidentally pulled on. Checking that the cable is firmly plugged into the monitor may resolve the issue.
- Power cycle the HUB monitor
Like many devices, it is possible for the HUB monitor to run into issues where it requires a reset/restart. To do this, disconnect the laptop from the HUB and then unplug the monitors power cable and hold the power button down for a few seconds. Plug the HUB monitor’s power back in, then reconnect the laptop.
No network connection when connected to HUB monitor
- Disconnect the laptop then reconnect it.
On occasion a HUB monitor may have issues passing a network connection to a laptop. Resetting the connection between the laptop and HUB may resolve the issue. Simply USB-C cable from the laptop then plug it back in.
- Power cycle the HUB monitor.
The issue could be caused by the HUB monitor needing a restart/reset. Disconnect the laptop from the HUB monitor, unplug the HUB’s power cable and hold the power button for a few seconds before plugging it back in. Reconnect the laptop.
- Check for multiple networks.
Some laptops have a difficult time disconnecting from Wi-Fi when plugged into a HUB that is supplying an ethernet connection. Click on the network icon to see which network connections are active. If both Wi-Fi and ethernet(ad.ufv.ca) are shown, disconnect from Wi-Fi and AO VPN.
- Check that the Ethernet cable is seated firmly at both ends.
A loose Ethernet connection could cause network issues. Check that the cable is firmly connected on the HUB monitor and wall ends if possible.
USB devices not working (plugged into HUB)
- Unplug the device and plug it back in.
It is possible that the issue is cause by the device having a loose connection to the monitor. Unplugging the device and plugging it back in ensures that the device has a firm connection.
- Try another USB port.
On occasion USB ports can have issues, they may stop working or be underpowered for the device that is plugged into them. Switching the port will help to determine if there is an issue with a specific port, all USB ports, or the USB device itself. It is also a good idea to test the device by plugging it into a USB port on the laptop itself.
- Power cycle the HUB monitor.
It is possible that USB ports could have issues if the HUB requires a restart/reset. To power cycle the HUB, disconnect the laptop and unplug the HUB monitors power cable. Plug the HUB monitor back in the reconnect the laptop.