I am using Anker USB-C dongle with 3 USB ports, Ethernet port and HDMI port. *After figuring out the problem* everything works fine and I can put my MacBook on the filing cabinet instead of on my desk. My goal is that it only worked one of two ways. On the packaging was a somewhat vaguely worded note that the cable was directional, and if that didn't work, "reverse the connection". Since it's a male-female connector I wasn't sure what that meant, but in this case it meant simply turning the connector so the up was down and plugging it back in. Once this is done, the cable will work. no hiccups. Weird quirk of product but once you get the hang of it it doesn't really matter.