I use a DELL Precision 5510 laptop computer which is labelled 'Ubuntu Edition'. As most modern laptops this machine doesn't have an Ethernet port for LAN connection but a Thunderbolt port for various signals.
DELL offers matching docking stations for their laptop series which connect via Thunderbolt plug. To my regret, I don't get Ubuntu 16.04 working with the full power of the Thunderbolt connection. At the moment, power is the only source that my laptop receives. Neither internet connection via ethernet port, nor keyboards or mice connected via USB, nor any audio signals are received in the laptop when plugged into the dock.
Plus, if I connect an Ethernet-Thunderbolt-Adapter to the computer, LAN connection is not recognized as well. So it's not an issue of the dock but rather of Ubuntu to process Thunderbolt interface transmission, I guess.
Any ideas where to start to get this working?
Update
Today, I had a long chat with DELL support staff. Comes out, that there's neither BIOS nor driver support for Ubuntu Linux - despite offering Ubuntu Editions for sale.
Anyway, while there's a comprehensive download section for Windows users, there're neither BIOS updates nor hardware drivers for Linux available. Windows users can make their Thunderbolt Dock work following this guide.
Now, my question is more precisely: Can or will we get someday drivers for Ubuntu which enable usage of the docking station with an DELL Ubuntu laptop? Where could I start looking for suitable drivers?
Update 2
Almost half a year later now I suddenly receive emails from DELL support, offering to exchange the TB15 Dock with the new TB16 Dock at no cost. Several connectivity issues would've been reported and DELL seems to take this as a cause for this hardware exchange programme.
3 Reset to default
