COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS HAVING PLUGGABLE MODULES

A system includes a substrate on which a data processor and a connector block are mounted. The connector block has a first array of electrical connectors on a first surface, and a second array of electrical conducts on a second surface that is oriented at an angle between 45° to 135° relative to a main surface of the substrate. At least a portion of the first array of electrical connectors are electrically coupled to the data processor, and the second array of electrical contacts are electrically connected to the electrical contacts of a pluggable module. The pluggable module includes an optical module, at least one first optical connector, a first fiber optic cable optically coupled between the optical module and the first optical connector, and a fiber guide positioned between the optical module and the first optical connector and provides mechanical support for the optical module and the first optical connector.