Patent attributes
Protection elements are provided for protecting optical networking systems during shipment. In one implementation, a system includes a card having one or more sockets, each socket having a connector device. The system also includes a pluggable module having an interface configured to connect with the connector device of a respective socket when the pluggable module is fully seated in the socket. A first protection element is configured to be held in place near a front edge of the socket. The first protection element is configured to allow the pluggable module to be arranged in a partially inserted position within the socket. Also, the first protection element is further configured to block the pluggable module from being fully seated in the socket to thereby prevent the interface of the pluggable module from contacting the connector device of the socket.