Discrete fiber optic transmitters are a light source such as an LED or laser and an adaptive housing used to inject a signal into a fiber optic cable. The device contains no drive circuitry. The light source is differentiated by wavelength, spectral bandwidth, forward voltage, forward current, and DC reverse voltage. Adaptive housings may accommodate connector types such as FC, PC, SC, SMA, ST, TOSLINK, Versatile link, and connector-less solutions.