Methods, systems, and apparatus for optical communications. One of the apparatuses includes a spool comprising a spool wheel, one or more separate spool portions positioned on the spool wheel, and one or more bearings positioned on the spool wheel, wherein the one or more spool portions and the one or more bearings are configured such that an optical fiber ribbon can be wound through the spool; and a spring coupled to the spool wheel such that the spring provides a rotational force on the spool in a direction that winds the optical fiber ribbon.