To look ahead at the advancements of DisplayPort 2.0-2.1, it has improved bandwidth and efficiency through a more efficient encoding process to bump the maximum bandwidth to 80Gbps. DisplayPort 2.1 uses 4 UHBR (Ultra-High Bit Rate) data lanes. This bandwidth allows for higher resolutions, refresh rates, and color depths unavailable to consumers previously. 

UHBR Data Rate: The increased bandwidth in DisplayPort 2.1 is enabled by 4 UHBR lanes that can be configured to allow for various high resolution and high refresh rate monitors. Depending on the display’s resolution and refresh rate, it will reflect how many UHBR lanes are being utilized.

DisplayPort 2.1 Cables: With this updated DisplayPort standard, new cabling is required to unlock the additional bandwidth with new cables such as DP 40 (DisplayPort 40Gbps) and DP 80 (DisplayPort 80Gbps). Cable length is important to consider DP40 cables can go as far as two meters in length and DP 80 cables one meter in length. We recommend using VESA-certified cables that will typically be marked either DP 40 or DP 80 on the cable itself.

DisplayPort 1.4 compared to 2.1:

DisplayPort 1.4, while impressive for its time, was limited in its maximum resolution and multiple monitor configurations. DisplayPort 2.1 represents a monumental leap, enabling high-end monitors. One practical example of comparing its capabilities is the support for up to three 4K HDR displays.