A cable assembly comprising a fiber optic cable and one or more attachment
points to allow one or more tethers to optically connect to optical
fibers within the cable. The cable assembly may be used as a drop cable
for extending optical connections to a plurality of points. An attachment
structure is provided for maintaining the tether to the cable to prevent
damage to the tether. The attachment structure provides a loose
attachment to allow the tether to move relative to the distribution
cable, so the tether can move in a generally translational movement, is
able to slightly twist, and to have limited lateral movement during
coiling, installation, and removal of the cable assembly. This loose
attachment structure may prevent damage to the tether due to forces being
placed on the cable, such as during coiling or uncoiling of the cable. In
one exemplary embodiment, the attachment structure is attached to the
cable and receives the tether. In another exemplary embodiment, the
attachment structure include a protective covering. In another
embodiment, both are employed in combination.