From BICSI’s Board President David M. Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT
INNOVATING AT THE CROSSROADS OF TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY, AND VALUES
Dear Members and Readers, It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the latest issue of ICT Today. As always, we strive to bring you content that not only reflects the cutting-edge developments in our industry but also challenges us to think critically about the role we play in shaping the future of information and communications technology. This issue comes at a pivotal time for our profession. The articles within these pages underscore the dynamism and innovation that continue to define the ICT landscape. They also highlight the growing intersections of technology with energy, infrastructure, and values—areas where our expertise as ICT professionals has never been more critical. Our cover feature, "Energizing the AI Frontier" by Seán Adam and Manja Thessin, and Dr. Rebecca Bosco’s article, "Examining the Impact of AI on the Energy Grid" explore how the surging energy demands of AI are reshaping energy systems, emphasizing the critical role ICT professionals play in driving innovation, sustainability, and efficiency at the intersection of technology and infrastructure. "Limited-Energy Hybrid Fiber/Power Cables: Delivering Bandwidth and Power to the Edge," co-authored by Gayla Arrindell and Steve Eaves, examines how integrating power and data delivery with advanced hybrid cabling and fault-managed power systems is addressing the growing demands of smart technologies and connectivity at the edge. In "ICT Bonding Infrastructure Design Best Practices," Bob Faber examines the critical role of bonding and grounding in modern ICT systems, offering practical guidance rooted in industry standards to enhance safety, performance, and adaptability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Elaine Kasperek’s thought-provoking article, "Values vs. Value: The Race to the Bottom in Telecommunications Infrastructure," challenges us to confront the ethical and quality compromises in sourcing practices, urging the industry to balance cost efficiency with human dignity, environmental responsibility, and long- term sustainability. Finally, Mark Mullins’s "Optimizing High-Throughput Wi-Fi: A Practical Guide to Testing and Troubleshooting" offers essential strategies for ensuring robust and reliable wireless networks by addressing infrastructure integrity, Power over Ethernet support, and interference in complex environments. As ICT professionals, we are uniquely positioned to address the challenges and opportunities that arise from the convergence of technology, energy, and infrastructure. The insights shared by our contributors in this issue not only educate but also inspire us to strive for excellence and innovation in our respective fields. I encourage you to engage deeply with the articles and to share your thoughts and experiences with our community. Let this journal be a catalyst for conversation, collaboration, and progress. Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing our profession. Together, we are shaping the future of ICT and creating a more connected and resilient world. Warm regards,
David M. Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT President, Board of Directors
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January/February/March 2025
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