Go Back   DisplayLink Forum > DisplayLink Graphics Technology > Windows Software

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 08-03-2018, 04:08 PM   #1
Phil_mto
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
Default d6000 preboot configuration for Bitlocker pin support

We are currently evaluating the Dell d6000 docking station in combination with the Dell 7389, 5580, and 5285 model laptops in our Enterprise. We have arrived to the d6000 Displaylink docking station solution after running in to several debilitating compatibility issues with the more commonly recommended model wd15 docking station. The implementation of the d6000 docking station has resolved several shortcomings that were prevalent with the wd15 with one problematic exception and i'm hoping to find some guidance here.

In our high security environment we have a requirement to implement bitlocker encryption on all hard drives and to require the entry of a pin code in order to unlock the drive during startup. During this period of startup the OS is not loaded since the hard drive has not been unlocked yet, as such neither are the Displaylink drivers, but the Displaylink video adapter card internal to the docking station has assumed control of the monitors that are connected to it. Since the driver software for that card is not loaded in a pre-boot state the bitlocker pin code entry screen does not appear on the external monitors connected to the dock. This is a highly undesirable issue for our management.
It is my understanding that in order for this to work as desired the docking station must have at least one video output port that supports VESA Alternative mode, or Displaylink Alternative mode. What we have learned is that the d6000 docking station does support this mode on it's HDMI output, but that this mode is only allowed when the docking station detects 3 active concurrent displays.

This coincides with the results of my testing. Whenever fewer than 3 monitors are connected to the system, regardless of their connection type, the system reports that each of the monitors is physically connected to the displaylink video adapter. When we connect 3 monitors to the system this changes, and which ever monitor is connected via the HDMI port on the docking station is allowed to bypass the displaylink video adapter and is driven by the internal Intel HD Graphics card on the laptop. In this state when you restart the machine the bitlocker pin entry screen will appear on the extermal monitor connected to the HDMI port without issue. In some circumstances we have even been able to duplicate this with as few as 2 monitors connected, as long as one of those monitors is physically connected to the docking station twice. This causes Windows to detect the presence of an additional display which we then have to disable, but it effectively tricks the d6000 docking station in to thinking 3 monitors are present instead of two and allowing the HDMI connected monitor to bypass the displaylink video adapter.

We have tested another usb-c displaylink docking station from a company called Plugable that has this mode enabled on one of their ports at all times. On that unit we reliably receive the desired behavior. Unfortunately that device does not come with the desired Enterprise support that we are looking for, but it does serve as proof of concept.

Is there a solution to this problem? Dell support has not been helpful and this seems to be the only docking station they offer that comes close to meeting our needs. Is there anyway to force the docking station to run the HDMI port in this bypass mode at all times? Can the displaylink software be somehow loaded preboot?

Thanks in advance.
Phil_mto is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 09:34 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.