Abstract: A connector (20) for terminating a duplex cable jumper cable (23) which is used for making interconnections in administrative locations of an FDDI system includes a plastic housing (21) having a jumper input end (26) and a connection end (28). Each fiber (25) of the jumper cable is terminated by a ferrule (64) which is supported in the housing and which has a portion that extends from the connection end of the housing. The protruding ends of the ferrules are protected by a shroud (130) which is removably attached to the connection end of the housing. Inasmuch as the shroud is removable, the end portions of the ferrules may be accessed for cleaning. Advantageously, the shroud may be provided with a keyway (157) to facilitate the mating of a connector with a key arrangement (159) in a receptacle (125) into which the connector is to be inserted. Different shrouds may be attached to the housing to facilitate the insertion of the connector into a desired receptacle.

Abstract: A coupling (20) for backplane connections of an optical fiber arrangement facilitates superbly alignment of optical fibers notwithstanding blind insertion of a portion of the arrangement. The coupling arrangement includes a housing (70) which has a first end portion (52) and a second end portion (49) and which is mounted in an opening of a panel (32) such that it floats and is capable of three dimensional adjustive movement to facilitate alignment of plugs which terminate optical fibers and which are inserted into opposite ends of a sleeve (84) disposed in the housing. A longitudinal movement of the coupling is facilitated by a compression spring (102) which is disposed about the housing between the backplane and a retaining member (104).