We terminate fiber optic cable two ways - with connectors that can mate two fibers to create a temporary joint and/or connect the fiber to a piece of network gear or with splices which create a permanent joint between the two fibers. Two common solutions for fiber cable termination are pigtails and fanout kits or breakout kits. Think of it as the equivalent of connecting the dots in a complex puzzle; without proper termination, the whole system can break down.