We　propose　a　scheme　for　the　generation　of　two　collections　of　atoms　trapped　in　distant　cavities　connected　by　an　optical　fiber.　The　virtual　photon　exchange　leads　to　the　entanglement　between　these　two　atomic　ensembles.　During　the　operation　the　atomic　system,　cavity　modes,　and　fiber　are　not　excited,　which　is　important　in　view　of　decoherence.　©　2011　Chinese　Physical　Society　and　IOP　Publishing　Ltd.