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Laptop Workstations

BYOD "Bring Your Own Device"

The Faculty of Human Sciences offers several workstations where you can use your own laptops. These modern workstations allow you to work flexibly in a productive environment.

Technical Requirements

To use these workstations, you’ll need a laptop with a USB-C or Thunderbolt port that supports DisplayPort (“DisplayPort Alt Mode”).

Only USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode allow video output to the monitors at the laptop workstations.

Older devices without DisplayPort Alt Mode can be charged via USB-C but cannot establish a screen connection.

DisplayPort Alt Mode has been available since around 2015 and is typically supported on the following devices:

  • Most MacBooks from 2016 onward
  • High-end Windows laptops (business and premium models)
  • All devices with Thunderbolt 3/4 ports (identified by the lightning bolt icon ⚡)
  • Modern Dell XPS, HP Spectre/Elite, Lenovo ThinkPad, and Microsoft Surface models
  • Current Samsung Galaxy devices

This feature is often missing on:

  • Budget laptops and Chromebooks in the lower price range
  • Many older laptops with early USB-C implementations

How to tell: Look for a DisplayPort icon next to the USB-C port, or check your device’s technical specifications for “USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode” or “USB-C with video output.”

 Darstellung von USB-C Anschlusstypen: Mit DisplayPort Symbol und Blitzsymbol für Thunderbolt (unterstützt), mit USB-Symbol und 'SS' Symbol (nicht unterstützt) sowie ein unmarkierter Anschluss
 Click to enlarge

The icons indicate which USB-C ports support DisplayPort Alt Mode

Equipment

Each workstation is equipped with a large monitor, an ergonomic mouse, a keyboard, and a 90-watt wired power adapter.

Laptop Arbeitsplatz mit Monitor, Tastatur und Maus in einem PC-Pool

Laptop workstation in Building 216, PCPool R.2119B

Usage Instructions

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Connect a USB-C/Thunderbolt cable to your mobile device
  2. Wait for the power and, if applicable, the mouse, keyboard, and monitor to connect automatically
  3. Check: Is there an image on the screen? Is the laptop charging?

 

Check whether your device is up to date and supports DisplayPort Alt. (See the top of this page for more information.)
Try enabling the second screen using the Windows key + P (Windows). If you’re an Android or Mac user, check the manufacturer’s manual for requirements.

Try connecting to Wi-Fi via the University of Cologne’s access points

  • In some rooms, due to heavy use by staff and students, the Wi-Fi connection may not be consistently stable, which can lead to roaming between different access points. (“Constantly checking in and out”)

Yes, depending on your device, you can use your laptop with the lid closed. This varies depending on the manufacturer, operating system, and power-saving mode settings. This helps save space on the table.

After authenticating via Wi-Fi, you’ll initially be connected to Eduroam, which doesn’t provide full access to the UKLAN. For full access to all university services (e.g., OPAC, journals, library resources), you’ll need to log in to the VPN as well. The RRZK provides this via a Cisco client.

With some older USB-C devices, peripherals connected to the monitor’s USB hub may not be recognized. Not all USB-C ports support the full range of functions for USB data. In this case, you may be able to connect your own peripherals directly to your laptop.

Check whether your laptop supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Some USB-C ports can transmit power but not video signals. Consult your device’s technical specifications or contact support.

Samsung devices: Yes, Samsung smartphones with DeX support (Galaxy S8, Note 8, Tab S4, or newer models) can be used at the workstations. To do this, connect your Samsung device using the USB-C cable, and DeX mode will start automatically on the monitor.

Apple devices: Although iPhones have Lightning or USB-C ports (on newer models), they do not support an external monitor mode like Samsung DeX. iPads with USB-C (e.g., iPad Pro, newer iPad Air, and iPad mini models) can use the monitor but have limited functionality compared to laptops.

Other Android devices: Some other Android smartphones and tablets with USB-C support “DisplayPort Alt Mode,” but usually with limited functionality. Support varies by manufacturer and model.

Note: Connectivity with mobile devices may be limited, and not all features of the laptop workstations may be available.

After connecting your laptop, the following devices will be connected automatically:

Important: Please make sure not to change the device connections. If you encounter technical issues, please contact
 computerpools.hf@uni-koeln.de

The connection to the data network is made via Wi-Fi as usual. As of today, a LAN connection is NOT established when connecting via USB-C/Thunderbolt.

Locations and Availability

The laptop workstations are available in various PC pools at the faculty:

Location Room PC Workstations Laptop Workstations
Gronewaldstraße 2 Room 2119A (Click for more info!) 12 PC workstations 3 laptop workstations
Gronewaldstraße 2 R.2119B (Click for more info!) 26 PC workstations 4 laptop workstations
Frangenheimstraße 4 M01A (Click for more info!) 22 PC workstations 2 laptop workstations

Please note that the rooms are not open to the public during classes and exams.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email computerpools.hf@uni-koeln.de