In an exemplary aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for protecting optical coupling between optical ports on opposing electronic components. The method comprises the following. First and second electronic components are oriented, where each of the first and second components has a side comprising an optical port, so that the sides are opposite each other. The first and second electronic components are positioned so as to enable optical coupling between the optical ports. A ring is formed, using at least one material, to surround the optical ports and fill a gap between the sides of the first and second components. The first and second components are mechanically coupled together. In other exemplary aspects, apparatus are disclosed having a ring formed around optical ports (e.g., one or more sets of optical ports) and between sides of electronic components.