The USB-C cable in your drawer won't work with your dock, and neither will most others

USB-C's promise of a universal connector has not translated into universal compatibility. The connector shape is standardized, but the underlying protocols vary wildly — from USB 2.0 to Thunderbolt 4 — with no reliable way to tell cables apart by looking at them. This creates real problems when using USB-C docks, which require high bandwidth to drive displays, peripherals, and storage simultaneously. Using the wrong cable can cripple a dock's performance or prevent it from working at all. Certification programs exist but are inconsistently applied, and cable labeling rarely communicates data speeds or display support. The practical advice: match your cable spec to your dock's requirements, look for Thunderbolt certification for Thunderbolt docks, and always check the spec sheet before buying.