Thunderbolt

In short: Thunderbolt is a fast interface from Intel and Apple that carries data, video and power over a single cable. Since Thunderbolt 3 it uses the USB-C connector.

In more detail: Thunderbolt 3 and 4 reach 40 Gbit/s, Thunderbolt 5 up to 80 Gbit/s (120 with bandwidth boost). One cable can connect fast drives, several monitors, network adapters and external graphics cards and charge the laptop (up to 100 W and more).

In Depth

• Same connector, different abilities: A USB-C cable may only support USB 2.0 at 480 Mbit/s. Thunderbolt cables are marked (lightning symbol) and usually active, more expensive cables.
• Daisy chain: Devices can be chained (up to six).
• Compatibility: Thunderbolt ports are backward compatible with USB-C, but not the other way round.
• Docking stations: A Thunderbolt dock turns one cable into monitor, network and USB ports.
• Security: Direct memory access (DMA) was an attack vector; modern systems protect themselves by authorising devices.

See also: USB-C, DisplayPort