A faceplate pluggable remote laser source and system incorporating such a laser source. The system may include an enclosure having a faceplate; a first optical connector, in the faceplate; a laser module; and a loopback fiber cable, connected between the laser module and the first optical connector. The faceplate may form an exterior boundary of the enclosure. The laser module may have a first end including an electrical interface, and a second end including an optical interface. The first end of the laser module may be engaged in a receptacle in the faceplate, and the second end of the laser module may extend outside the faceplate. The laser module may be configured to receive electrical power through the electrical interface, and to produce unmodulated light at the optical interface. The loopback fiber cable and the first optical connector may be configured to route the unmodulated light back into the enclosure.