In this paper, a scheme is presented for generation of W-type entangled states for n atoms trapped in separated cavities connected by optical fibers. The scheme only requires a single atom–cavity–fiber interaction and no classical field is needed. Due to these features, the scheme is simpler and more robust against decoherence than the previous ones. The scheme can also be used to realize quantum state transfer and controlled phase gates between qubits located at distant nodes of a quantum network.