All new laptops primarily use USB-C connectors for connecting external devices (e.g., new Macbooks only have USB-C connectors), i.e. USB-C for everything from charging to connecting a mouse (USB 2.0), monitor (DisplayPort/HDMI), hard disk (USB 3.0), network (RJ45), stereo headphone, microphone (MiniJack), and so on. It is an easy and standardised way to easily connect all your devices with a single cable type.
It quickly becomes difficult if you have many devices and cables connected to your workstation, and here it is advantageous to use a USB-C docking station or hub.
-Just a single USB-C cable and you are up and running!
Lots of new devices obviously have USB-C, as it is the new big common standard, and if you only have this type of products, you can simply settle for a normal USB-C hub/splitter, perhaps with a network connection. But if you have devices that were not born with USB 3.1 Type C, you can use one of the more advanced USB C docks or adapters, e.g.
Displayport,
HDMI,
DVI,
VGA etc.