Most optical fiber connectors are spring-loaded, so the fiber faces are pressed together when the connectors are mated. A fiber optic connector is a mechanical device used to align and join optical fibers, enabling light to pass through with minimal loss. They are used in a similar manner as electrical connectors. For example, they can be plugged into receptables on front. Fiber optic joints or terminations are made two ways: 1) splices which create a permanent joint between the two fibers or 2) connectors that mate two fibers to create a temporary joint and/or connect the fiber to a piece of network gear.