ICT Today Jan/Feb/Mar 2026

Volume 47, Number 1 January/February/March 2026 THE OFFICIAL TRADE JOURNAL OF BICSI ICT TODAY THE NEW ENGINE OF INNOVATION: AI INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE NEXT REVOLUTION IN ICT DESIGN

PLUS: + The Impact of AI on Data Center Cabling Requirements + The Great Interconnect Showdown – InfiniBand versus Ultra Ethernet + DAS-Based Private Networking and AI Sensing for Data Centers

contents 40 The Great Interconnect Showdown – InfiniBand versus Ultra Ethernet For more than two decades, InfiniBand (IB) has been lauded as the gold standard in this arena. However, an emerging standard, Ultra Ethernet Transport (UET), aims to challenge that dominance by integrating IB’s performance capabilities into the vast, open ecosystem of Ethernet. By Justin W. Hobbs 44 Reimagining Power at the Edge A quiet revolution is happening, not through marketing campaigns or vendor hype, but through the maturation of Class 2 low voltage, Class 4 fault- managed power, and other emerging 380V and 800V DC standards that solve the safety and compatibility barriers that stalled in data centers for years. By Bolis Ibrahim, Zenon Radewych, Anjanaa Santhanam 50 The Impact of AI on Data Center Cabling Requirements GenAI networks have changed the landscape of network implementations. Not only do they challenge power, thermal and time constraints, they also challenge the way we must approach cabling and connectivity. By Kenneth Hall

January/February/March 2026 Volume 47, Issue 1

FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT 05 Message from the Board President By William "Bill" Foy COVER ARTICLE 06 The New Engine of Innovation: AI Infrastructure and the Next Revolution in ICT Design AI is not just transforming how we compute; it is changing how we build. Every watt, every optical fiber strand, every square inch of these facilities is being redesigned to support a new kind of digital organism—one that learns, reasons, and scales exponentially. By Justin Powell 14 AI-Enabled Smart ICT Infrastructure: Building Resilient Networks for a Disaster-Ready Future By prioritizing the development of resilient ICT infrastructure, leaders can not only mitigate disaster risk, but also contribute to broader goals of sustainable development and social well-being. By Kiran Elias 22 DAS-Based Private Networking and AI Sensing for Data Centers Modern, intelligent repeater-based in-building DAS that supports both public and private cellular connectivity is becoming essential data center infrastructure. By Michiel Lotter, Colin Abrey, and Brian Ensign 30 Powering the AI Revolution: Building the Infrastructure That Makes Intelligence Possible AI is rapidly transforming the physical structure of data centers. Instead of designing facilities around servers and processors, it is the movement of data and the delivery of energy that are the primary concerns. By Manja Thessin

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SUBMISSION POLICY ICT TODAY is published quarterly by BICSI, Inc. and is sent in digital format to BICSI members and credential holders. ICT TODAY welcomes and encourages submissions and suggestions from its readers. Articles of a technical, vendor-neutral nature are gladly accepted for publication with approval from the Editorial Review Board. However, BICSI, Inc., reserves the right to edit and alter such material for space or other considerations and to publish or otherwise use such material. The articles, opinions, and ideas expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the contributing authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of BICSI, its members, or its staff. BICSI is not liable in any way, manner, or form for the articles’ opinions and ideas. Readers are urged to exercise professional caution in undertaking any of the recommendations or suggestions made by authors. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission from BICSI, Inc. ADVERTISING: Advertising rates and information are provided upon request. Contact BICSI for information at +1 813.769.1842 or cnalls@bicsi.org. Publication of advertising should not be deemed

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THE OFFICIAL TRADE JOURNAL OF BICSI ICT TODAY

From BICSI’s Board President William "Bill" Foy, RCDD, DCDC, ESS, NTS, OSP, WD

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

ADVERTISER’S INDEX Sumitomo Electric.........Inside Front Cover McGard. ................................................... 13 MOLEX....................................................... 21 MaxCell..................................................... 39 AFL Global..................Outside Back Cover BICSI INFORMATION BICSI DCDC ® ............................................. 29 BICSI BEYOND 2026..................................55

BICSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board President : William "Bill" Foy, RCDD, DCDC, ESS, NTS, OSP, WD Immediate Past Board President : David M. Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT

Dear ICT Community,

redundancy, climate-hardened components, hybrid power backup, grid interaction, and the role of evolving standards and codes that support AI scale. You will also see how AI, AR, and VR can compress design and construction timelines, improve coordination, and enhance operations through digital twins and intelligent monitoring. Before closing, I want to thank David Richards for exemplary service as Board President. His steady leadership helped strengthen our standards, education, and community. On a personal note, I am grateful for the trust placed in me as the next board president, and I look forward to meeting many of you at upcoming BICSI events to hear how you are applying these practices in the field. I invite you to apply what you learn, compare notes with peers, and share outcomes. If you are ready to help shape guidance for the next wave of projects, please consider volunteering in one of BICSI’s impactful volunteer groups.

Welcome to this special issue of ICT Today focused on data centers and AI, including practical uses of AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) across ICT. This edition concentrates on what you can apply now, from early design through day- two operations, so projects deliver performance, reliability, and sustainability at scale. Inside, you will find guidance on building cluster-ready network fabrics, planning optical fiber links at 400G, 800G, and 1.6T, and managing cabling, pathways, and limited space as optical fiber counts rise and cabinets deepen. You will see how liquid cooling options, coordinated rack and pathway design, and careful placement of power conversion stages improve thermal performance and uptime. There is also practical coverage of Class 2 low-voltage and Class 4 fault-managed DC distribution that can reduce conversion stages, copper mass, and complexity while improving power usage effectiveness in both core facilities and edge environments. Because many AI workloads are moving outward, this issue addresses edge facilities and private wireless inside critical spaces. You will learn ways to layer indoor cellular with Wi-Fi, enable private 5G, and deploy AI sensing to strengthen safety, security, and workforce communications. Resilience and sustainability are central throughout. Expect frameworks for

Board Secretary : Luke Clawson, RCDD, RTPM, GROL, MBA Board Treasurer : James 'Jim' Walters, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, RTPM Board Director : William 'Joe' Fallon, RCDD, ESS Board Director : Daniel Hunter, RCDD Board Director : Miguelangel Ochoa Briceno, RCDD Board Director : Richard 'Shane' Ritter, RCDD, RTPM Board Director : Gilbert Romo Board Director : Mark Tarrance, RCDD, RTPM

Board Director : Jay Thompson, RCDD Board Director : Kristen Trbovich, RTPM Ex Officio : John H. Daniels, CNM, LFACHE, FHIMSS, CPHIMS – Chief Executive Officer

EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD Beatriz Bezos, RCDD, DCDC, ESS, NTS, OSP, PE, PMP Jonathan L. Jew F. Patrick Mahoney, RCDD, CDT PUBLISHER BICSI, Inc., 8610 Hidden River Pkwy., Tampa, FL 33637-1000 Phone: +1 813.979.1991 Web: bicsi.org EDITOR Dan Brown, icttodayeditor@bicsi.org

ICT TODAY NEEDS WRITERS ICT Today is BICSI’s premier publication for authoritative, vendor-neutral coverage and insight on next generation and emerging technologies, standards, trends, and applications in the global ICT community. Consider sharing your industry knowledge and expertise by becoming a contributing writer to this informative publication. Contact icttodayeditor@bicsi.org if you are interested in submitting an article.

With appreciation for your leadership,

PUBLICATION STAFF Clarke Hammersley, Consultant Editor Jeff Giarrizzo, Senior Technical Editor Laureen Young, Senior Technical Editor

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• 400G and 800G optical fiber interconnects (1.6T coming soon). 1

• On-site substations and dedicated utility feeds.

• Massive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and generator farms.

• High-density structured cabling with ultra-low-loss connectors.

• Microgrids with renewable energy integration.

• Precision-engineered optical pathways with redundant routes.

• Dynamic power distribution with intelligent load balancing.

It is not just more optical fiber—it is smarter optical fiber. Network design now focuses on optical integrity, latency optimization, and scalability without a physical rework every upgrade cycle. 1 AI networks do not scale by adding conduits—they scale by building optical fiber superhighways. The Optical Fiber Explosion We have entered the era of optical fiber ecosystems. Where a data hall once carried hundreds of optical fibers, AI clusters now demand thousands per pod. Some rack units now host over 6,000 individual links in a 4RU panel. 2 This unprecedented density calls for:

ICT designers are now collaborating with utility engineers and energy policy experts to plan for grid impact. AI’s rise has effectively merged telecommunications with power engineering—and that partnership will define the next generation of digital infrastructure.

How the race to support artificial intelligence is redefining data center standards, power, and performance. By Justin Powell The New Engine of Innovation: AI Infrastructure and the Next Revolution in ICT Design

COOLING: FROM HVAC SYSTEMS TO THERMAL SCIENCE

For decades, HVAC optimization was about refining airflow: raised floors, containment systems, and computer room air conditioner (CRAC) units in perfect symmetry. Then came AI—and with it heat loads that defied physics. At 100 kilowatt (kW) per rack, air simply is not efficient enough. The future is fluid— literally. 4

• Advanced MPO/MTP architecture.

WHEN INNOVATION OUTGROWS THE BLUEPRINT AI is no longer an emerging concept at the edge of innovation—it is here, and its appetite is insatiable. AI is hungry for everything: data, bandwidth, power, cooling and, above all, connectivity. The modern hyperscale facilities powering this revolution have become the beating hearts of the digital world—dense, high-voltage ecosystems that hum like industrial furnaces. But the truth is, AI is not just transforming how we compute; it is transforming how we build. Every watt, every optical fiber strand, every square inch of these facilities is being redesigned to support a new kind of digital organism—one that learns, reasons, and scales exponentially. While the world marvels at generative models and autonomous systems, a quieter, equally critical revolution is occurring behind the racks. It is the RCDDs, engineers, and ICT designers—those who shape the physical backbone of this new intelligence who are

rewriting the rules of infrastructure. To build the mind of the future, we must first rebuild the machine that sustains it. NETWORKING FOR SUPERCHARGED INTELLIGENCE AI is, at its core, like a communication sport. Training and inference require constant, high-volume data exchange across graphic processing units (GPU)— millions of transactions per second, each one time-sensitive. The End of Three-Tier Networking The old three-tier hierarchy (e.g., core, distribution, access) is unable to deliver the speed or bandwidth AI requires. Modern GPU clusters run on:

• Automated cable management systems.

Liquid Becomes the New Air Modern cooling strategies include:

• Multi-path diversity for redundancy.

• Strain-engineered routing and bend-radius control.

• Direct-to-chip liquid cooling.

• Optical fiber cleanliness and laser safety as operational disciplines.

• Rear-door heat exchangers.

• Immersion baths for entire servers.

THE POWER PROBLEM — FEEDING THE BEAST AI consumes power at a scale never seen before. A single training cluster can draw more energy than an entire data center from a decade ago. Today, hyperscale AI campuses are measured not in megawatts—but in hundreds of megawatts. 3 This is not just a facilities issue—it is now a matter of national infrastructure.

• Advanced heat-rejection towers and hydraulic manifolds.

In these environments, coolant distribution units (CDUs) and leak detection systems are as vital as power panels. 5 The data center has effectively become a thermal laboratory, where mechanical and ICT disciplines merge.

• Spine-leaf topologies with symmetrical bandwidth.

Reimagining Power Architecture To sustain AI workloads, designers are building:

• Software-defined fabrics optimized for east-west traffic.

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Balancing Function and Accessibility In older data centers, future expansion was often an afterthought. In AI-driven facilities, it is the first thought. Designers must anticipate not only where systems will go, but how to access them later. A technician who cannot safely reach a valve or disconnect an optical fiber trunk in an emergency represents a critical design flaw. To solve this, designers employ service corridors and swing spaces, ensuring that every mechanical and electrical component remains accessible. These corridors also serve as safety buffers, maintaining isolation between potentially conflicting systems— liquid, electricity, and data. The New Definition of Coordination The art of routing in AI infrastructure is more than an exercise in geometry—it is a philosophy of interdependence. The goal is not simply to fit Electrical systems must deliver stable power without encroaching on cooling space; cooling systems must remove heat without endangering optical fiber integrity; and optical fiber must maintain pristine performance amidst mechanical and thermal turbulence. The result is an ecosystem in motion—a carefully engineered choreography of power, liquid, and light ...

3. Optical Fiber and Data Cabling – High-density optical fiber trunks, structured pathways, and modular interconnects linking AI nodes.

now indispensable. Designers overlay electrical, mechanical, and ICT systems in a shared digital environment to identify spatial conflicts before a single conduit or cable tray is installed. Clash detection algorithms flag potential collisions, saving money and countless hours in rework. • Dedicated Routing Zones : Facilities are increasingly being built with clearly defined “routing strata.” Overhead spaces might be segmented into power-only corridors, liquid-only manifolds, and optical fiber-exclusive tray systems, each physically isolated by barriers or raceways to minimize interference and make inspections easier. • Separation Standards : Strict routing rules govern physical relationships: liquid lines never run above electrical conduits; electrical busways maintain clearance from optical fiber trays; and optical fiber paths are kept separate from high-heat zones. These separations protect both uptime and personnel safety. • Redundant Containment and Leak Management : With liquid cooling, facilities are adopting dual-containment piping, drip trays, leak detection sensors, and automated shutoff valves. A single coolant leak in an AI hall can damage millions of dollars in hardware. 7 • Color-Coded Pathways and Smart Labeling : Visual organization has become a design strategy. Color-coded trays and lines allow technicians to identify system types instantly, reducing human error during maintenance or upgrades. QR-coded tags and digital twin databases now link every physical element to real-time system data. • Modular Pathway Design : Cable trays, busways, and pipe racks are increasingly built in modular sections that can be expanded or swapped with minimal disruption. This approach accommodates rapid capacity scaling without requiring demolition or rerouting.

Each discipline depends on the precision of the others. A misplaced conduit or misaligned pipe can create cascading problems—from EMI interference to physical inaccessibility during future upgrades. In facilities where racks draw 100 kW or more, even small mistakes can be catastrophic, leading to downtime, safety hazards, or thermal inefficiencies. THE ROUTING PUZZLE: POWER, LIQUID, AND OPTICAL FIBER IN TIGHT QUARTERS Inside hyperscale AI halls, every cubic inch matters. The walls may be vast, but usable space feels scarce once you begin layering in the infrastructure required to feed, cool, and connect modern GPU clusters. Designers must orchestrate a labyrinth of high-voltage conduits, massive optical fiber bundles, chilled-water loops, cable trays, and exhaust pathways—all within spaces so dense they can feel more like submarines than server rooms. The margin for error? Practically zero. Each system—electrical, mechanical, and ICT— competes for the same ceiling and floor real estate— yet all must fit and coexist in perfect harmony. The order of installation has become non-negotiable, a hierarchy carved out through experience and necessity: 1. Electrical Distribution – High-voltage and low-voltage pathways, switchgear feeds, and busways form the backbone of the facility. 2. Liquid Cooling Infrastructure – Chilled-water supply and return loops, direct-to-chip manifolds, and hydraulic distribution units. 6

4. Airflow Systems – Supplemental ventilation and exhaust, ensuring secondary thermal balance.

5. Service and Maintenance Access – The often- overlooked but essential clearance for technicians to inspect, repair, and expand systems safely. Each discipline depends on the precision of the others. A misplaced conduit or misaligned pipe can create cascading problems—from EMI interference to physical inaccessibility during future upgrades. In facilities where racks draw 100 kW or more, even small mistakes can be catastrophic, leading to downtime, safety hazards, or thermal inefficiencies. The Challenges of Convergence The complexity lies not just in fitting these systems together, but in doing so while meeting strict safety, redundancy, and serviceability requirements. Liquids and electricity are uneasy neighbors and optical fiber cables and cooling lines do not bend to convenience. Each component has its own rules, tolerances, and failure modes, and they must all coexist within a space where physical conflicts are just one poor design decision away. To make matters even more difficult, AI centers evolve rapidly. Today’s “final” layout may be obsolete within 18 months, as newer GPU architectures demand different rack densities or cooling strategies. 6 Designers must therefore think modularly, building systems that are not just functional for today, but adaptable to tomorrow. Engineering the Solutions Modern ICT designers have become part engineer and part choreographer. Routing is no longer a task— it is an art form guided by foresight, discipline, and coordination across trades. Successful projects share one trait: Collaboration begins early.

• 3D Coordination and BIM Modeling : Advanced building information modeling (BIM) tools are

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AUTOMATION, MONITORING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL INTELLIGENCE

• Waste-Heat Recapture : The byproduct of AI computation—heat—no longer has to be wasted. Some facilities now channel this excess heat into district heating systems, warming nearby homes, offices, and even greenhouses. What was once a thermal nuisance is now a community asset. • On-Site Renewables : Solar arrays, wind turbines, and hydrogen-based microgrids are emerging as defining features of next-generation data campuses. By generating a portion of their own clean power, AI facilities reduce dependency on fossil fuels, stabilize regional energy demand, and set a benchmark for industrial-scale sustainability. • Carbon-Aware Compute Scheduling : Sophisticated orchestration software now aligns compute loads with periods of renewable energy abundance—effectively allowing data centers to “chase the sun and wind.” This adaptive scheduling balances performance with environmental stewardship, ensuring that AI workloads operate in harmony with nature’s energy cycles. 9 Hyperscalers are no longer ignoring sustainability— they are competing on it. Environmental performance has become a strategic differentiator and a public promise. Certifications such as LEED, ENERGY STAR, and ISO 50001 are now baseline expectations, while companies race to achieve carbon neutrality and energy positivity. Uptime is no longer the only badge of honor; efficient uptime is the new gold standard. 10 THE NEW FRONTIER FOR ICT PROFESSIONALS The ICT profession is entering what will perhaps be its most transformative era—one when the skills, ingenuity, and precision of the field are more vital than ever. For decades, ICT professionals have been the unsung backbone of modern civilization, quietly connecting people, systems, and ideas. But the next generation of RCDDs and infrastructure technicians will not merely connect networks—they will power intelligence itself.

everything into the room, but to make it work together without compromise. Electrical systems must deliver stable power without encroaching on cooling space; cooling systems must remove heat without endangering optical fiber integrity; and optical fiber must maintain pristine performance amidst mechanical and thermal turbulence The result is an ecosystem in motion—a carefully engineered choreography of power, liquid, and light, and at the center of it all stand the modern ICT designers, engineers, and technicians who bring order to this complexity. They are not just routing infrastructure—they are composing the pathways that make intelligence possible. CONNECTING THE AI CAMPUS AI does not stop at the walls of a building. Entire campuses are now interconnected through campus-wide optical fiber trenches, redundant mechanical loops, shared chiller plants, and synchronized switchyards. These environments resemble industrial manufacturing complexes more than office-grade data centers. Every connection is engineered for redundancy, efficiency, and survivability. Routing optical fiber alongside megawatt power feeds without interference takes military-grade planning—and often it is the ICT professional who ensures the calculated balance. PREFABRICATION AND THE RACE TO DEPLOY The AI market moves faster than concrete cures. Hyperscalers no longer have the luxury of multi-year builds. Prefabrication has become the default strategy for several reasons, including:

AI lives and breathes through the infrastructure that supports it: the cables, conduits, power feeds, sensors, and optical fibers meticulously installed, tested, and maintained by skilled ICT professionals. Every seamless data transaction, every real-time decision made by an AI model, depends on physical design executed flawlessly in the field. This is where the artistry of infrastructure meets the science of intelligence—and where the ICT workforce takes center stage. The future of AI will be built by technicians, engineers, and designers who can think multidimensionally—those who understand not just the “how” of connectivity, but the “why” behind every pathway, circuit, and data link. These professionals will bridge the gap between theoretical computing and physical implementation, ensuring that every watt, packet, and photon arrives exactly where it needs to be, when it needs to be there. The modern ICT toolkit has expanded dramatically. Tomorrow’s professionals must be conversant in disciplines that once lived in separate silos: • High-Density Optical Design : Crafting optical fiber architectures that support terabit-scale interconnects, high-count MPO systems, and ultra-low-loss pathways for AI fabrics. • Cooling and Mechanical Coordination : Collaborating with mechanical and electrical teams to integrate liquid cooling, thermal routing, and environmental monitoring into ICT design. • Power Distribution Planning : Understanding load balancing, redundancy, and energy efficiency at the rack and room levels—where compute demand directly affects electrical architecture. • Automation and Telemetry Integration : Designing networks that communicate their own health—leveraging sensors, smart PDUs, and analytics to monitor, predict, and optimize performance in real time.

As data centers become more complex, automation capabilities will increasingly serve as the nervous system. AI-ready infrastructure monitors itself with:

• Real-time thermal and humidity sensing.

• Smart leak detection and fluid analytics.

• Automated power optimization.

• Fiber telemetry and optical signal diagnostics.

• Digital twins for predictive maintenance. 7

These systems do not just keep data centers running—they make them self-aware. The infrastructure that powers AI is, in a way, becoming intelligent itself. SUSTAINABILITY: THE NEW GREEN RACE AI has an enormous appetite for power—and with that appetite comes a profound responsibility. The explosive growth of AI infrastructure has ignited an aggressive push for sustainability, driving the industry to rethink how energy is produced, consumed, and conserved. Resource efficiency is no longer a line item in a design proposal— it is a moral, economic, and environmental imperative. 8 Modern data centers are transforming into energy ecosystems—living systems that reclaim, recycle, and repurpose the heat, water, and power they consume. Technologies once considered experimental are now becoming essential tools: • Liquid Cooling : By transferring heat more efficiently than air, direct-to-chip and immersion liquid cooling systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 30 percent. 5 Beyond performance, this shift minimizes the load on HVAC systems and decreases water use, an increasingly critical factor in regions already facing resource stress.

• Modular POD-based deployments.

• Factory-tested mechanical and electrical skids.

• Prefabricated cooling and power systems.

• Plug-and-play expansion for rapid scale.

Speed is no longer a metric—it is a design constraint and the new mantra is: build fast, scale smart, and evolve continuously.

• Modular and Prefabricated Deployment Strategy : Building scalable, repeatable systems

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6. Open Compute Project (OCP) – Advanced Cooling Solutions and Facility Guidelines for High-Density, AI-Ready Designs . 7. NVIDIA – Data Center Design Guide for Liquid-Cooled AI Systems . 8. ISO 50001 – Energy Management Systems—Requirements with Guidance for Use .

9. LEED for Data Centers – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Standards . U.S. Green Building Council. 10. ASHRAE 90.4 – Energy Standard for Data Centers .

where pre-engineered pods, racks, and interconnects can be deployed at hyperscale speed without compromising reliability.

Every watt, every cubic foot of airflow, every strand of optical fiber is engineered for peak performance. Like F1 racing, hyperscale facilities are the proving grounds for innovation. The breakthroughs forged here—liquid cooling, modular power systems, and ultra-dense optical fabrics—will filter down into enterprise networks, smart cities, and even connected homes. What we learn building AI’s engine rooms today will shape how the entire digital ecosystem operates tomorrow. And the drivers of this transformation are the professionals who make it happen—the RCDDs, designers, technicians, and engineers turning blueprints into intelligent ecosystems. They are not just keeping pace with progress—they are accelerating it, one optical fiber strand, one cooling loop, and one data hall at a time. In the F1 of digital infrastructure, the race never ends—it only gets faster, smarter, and more extraordinary with every lap. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY : Justin Powell, RCDD, TECH, C.P.I., is a military veteran, entrepreneur, and seasoned ICT professional with more than 12 years of experience designing and implementing mission-critical network infrastructure for federal and global enterprise environments. Justin is passionate about supporting workforce development and has built training programs, safety protocols, and assessment tools that elevate ICT technician readiness and project performance. He combines engineering expertise with entrepreneurial leadership to advance the next generation of ICT innovation. REFERENCES : 1. BICSI 002 – Data Center Design and Implementation Best Practices . BICSI. 2. ANSI/TIA-942 – Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers. Telecommunications Industry Association . 3. Uptime Institute – Annual Data Center Survey and Tier Standard: Topology . 4. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) – Energy Use in Data Centers: Trends and Forecasts . 5. ASHRAE TC 9.9 – Thermal Guidelines for Data Processing Environments and Liquid Cooling Guidelines for Datacom Equipment . ASHRAE.

This evolution, however, is not only technical— it is philosophical. For years, RCDDs and ICT technicians entered at the final step in a project’s lifecycle, arriving after the architects and engineers had drawn their plans. In the era of AI infrastructure, that order has been reversed. The expertise of ICT professionals now drives the earliest phases of design, influencing everything from spatial planning and mechanical layout to power strategy and sustainability. RCDDs have become the architects of digital possibility—the professionals who translate abstract ideas about data and computation into tangible, physical systems that can support the world’s most demanding workloads. Their understanding of structured cabling, telecommunications pathways, grounding, bonding, and optical fiber management is no longer a narrow specialty; it is a critical component of innovation. The next generation of ICT talent will need to be multi-disciplinary, tech-savvy, and endlessly curious. They will operate at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, and digital systems, integrating sustainability, automation, and cybersecurity into daily practice. The distinction between “design” and “implementation” will blur, creating a collaborative ecosystem where RCDDs, engineers, and technicians work in unison to bring AI infrastructure to life. In this new landscape, ICT is not a supporting function—it is the foundation. The future of AI will be written not only in lines of code but in lines of optical fiber, power, and copper, laid with purpose by professionals who understand that infrastructure is intelligence.

THE FORMULA 1 OF DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE

AI data centers are like Formula One (F1) machines— purpose-built, high-performance systems that push every boundary of speed, precision, and efficiency.

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AI-Enabled Smart ICT Infrastructure: Building Resilient Networks for a Disaster-Ready Future By Kiran Elias

DEFINING RESILIENCE IN THE ICT CONTEXT

solutions. This includes AI-powered predictive maintenance systems that can detect degrading components before they fail, preventing a minor issue from escalating into a major service interruption. For preparedness, the model emphasizes the use of technologies to build resilience into planning stages, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of AI's potential to prevent natural disaster costs. 1 Real-time monitoring and early-warning systems, enabled by the internet of things (IoT) and AI, are fundamental components of this phase. During a disaster response phase, ICT infrastructure is a lifeline. Swift, agile, and flexible communication and data management systems are required to manage surges in demand and coordinate resources. Real-time data processing and analysis provide situational awareness to emergency responders, helping them to quickly assess damage and allocate resources efficiently. Finally, in the recovery phase, technologies like AI can rapidly assess damages, allowing leaders to swiftly restart critical economic activity and rebuild communities. The model supports the cyclical nature of recovery, where rebuilding and response often happen simultaneously. TECHNOLOGICAL AGILITY: HARNESSING THE POWER OF IOT, AI, AND EDGE COMPUTING The "smart" component of this model is enabled by the synergistic integration of three core technologies: the IoT, AI, and edge computing (Table 1). Their value is not in their individual application, but in their combined ability to create a continuously aware, self-optimizing, and resilient system. • IoT : IoT provides the sensory layer of the smart infrastructure. It involves connected devices such as sensors, drones, and communication tools that gather and analyze data in real time. These sensors can be deployed in disaster-prone areas to monitor environmental changes, such as water levels or seismic activity, providing the foundation for early warning systems. Case studies show how IoT sensors and satellite imagery were used to create Thailand Flood Sensorweb and how IoT-enabled

Resilience in critical infrastructure is defined as the ability to adapt to changing conditions, withstand, and rapidly recover from disruption. It is the capacity of a system to resist, absorb, accommodate, adapt, transform, and recover in a timely and efficient manner from hazards. This article is structured around the four-phase disaster management cycle: prevention & mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery (i.e., PPRR model).

Prevention & Mitigation : Proactive measures to prevent a disaster or reduce its potential impact.

• Preparedness : Planning and implementing strategies to prepare for a disaster before it occurs.

• Response : Actions during or immediately upon a disaster to save lives and protect property.

• Recovery : Restoring and redeveloping a system to its pre-disaster state or adapting to a new and resilient one. THE PURPOSE OF THE SCALABLE MODEL This article intends to present a vendor-neutral, globally-applicable model for ICT infrastructure that transitions from a reactive to a proactive posture. The model is designed for special premises such as airports, stadiums, and hospitals, due to their status as critical public services and their unique operational demands. By demonstrating how a cohesive, integrated framework can be tailored to these diverse environments, the PPRR model provides a universal blueprint for enhancing resilience in any critical facility. FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS OF THE RESILIENT ICT MODEL RESILIENCE LIFECYCLE: PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, RECOVERY The proposed model is a strategic framework built to support every phase of the disaster lifecycle. In the mitigation and prevention phase, smart infrastructure systems provide preventative, detective, and responsive

In an era where ICT is the lifeblood of nations, our networks face unprecedented threats—from climate extremes and cyberattacks to urban congestion. This article explores a groundbreaking, scalable resilience model, proven in the UAE with an extensive reduction

of modern critical infrastructure. A failure in one system can have cascading effects on others, disrupting essential services and jeopardizing public safety. The technologies that enable modern society, from power grids to transportation systems, are becoming increasingly dependent on a robust ICT backbone. Consequently, a holistic approach is essential, one that transcends siloed defenses to achieve a unified strategy for resilience. This is why experts now include data storage and processing systems as part of critical infrastructure, recognizing their growing centrality in modern societies. The ICT infrastructure has become a "lifeline system," intimately linked with a community's economic well-being, security, and social fabric. in field faults. Discover how shared infrastructure, climate-hardened components, AI-driven monitoring, and hybrid power systems are forging future-ready networks, offering a vital blueprint for global stability and economic continuity.

THE CRITICALITY OF ICT IN AN AGE OF CASCADING FAILURES The Evolving Threat Landscape

The global landscape is characterized by an increasing frequency and intensity of hazards, encompassing both natural disasters and sophisticated, human- driven threats. Over the past 15 years, natural disasters have resulted in an average of nearly $200 billion in annual infrastructure losses, a figure projected to increase to approximately $460 billion by 2050. 1 This evolving threat profile is compounded by the rising danger of hybrid attacks, where adversaries leverage both physical and electronic means to inflict compounded harm. A central challenge is the interconnectedness

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ENGINEERING FOR CONTINUITY: REDUNDANCY AND PHYSICAL SECURITY A smart infrastructure model requires a foundation of sound engineering and physical security. The model adheres to the global best practices established by BICSI. BICSI standards provide detailed guidelines for every component of the system, from intelligent buildings (ANSI/BICSI 007) to distributed antenna systems (ANSI/BICSI 006) and data centers (ANSI/BICSI 002). Central to resilience is the principle of redundancy. This is implemented at three levels:

• Edge Computing : While IoT and AI are vital, they require a resilient network to function. Edge computing improves disaster resilience by reducing dependency on centralized data centers and enabling faster, localized responses. By distributing processing and storage closer to where data is generated, critical systems can remain operational even if the central cloud were to be unavailable. This decentralization provides a crucial layer of redundancy, ensuring that systems like surveillance cameras or medical equipment can continue to function during a network outage, minimizing downtime and data loss. The combined application of these technologies is pivotal. For example, AI-based prediction models can be complemented by IoT sensors and drones to bolster disaster risk management and enhance the effectiveness of early warning systems. This integrated approach is critical for moving beyond a reactive, fragmented defense to a truly proactive, continuous state of readiness.

statutory body responsible for regulating the telecommunications sector, ensuring adequacy and enhancement of ICT services. Alongside the TDRA, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) provides the national framework for emergency response. The National Emergency Plan of TDRA for the telecommunications sector is designed to provide the foundation for an effective and coordinated emergency response by the sector. This strategic oversight is formalized through national frameworks. The National Information Assurance Framework (NIAF) and National Cyber Security Strategy (NCSS) of the UAE aim to secure national cyberspace and its ICT infrastructure. These frameworks address cybersecurity topics at the entity, sector, and national levels, ensuring a comprehensive, multi-layered defense. The UAE government's preference for a national sovereignty approach allows it to enforce sophisticated cybersecurity policies that evolve with new threats, such as policies being developed for cloud computing and IoT security. This centralized control, in contrast to more fragmented models, creates a unified and clear national mandate for resilience. Telecommunications as a Lifeline: The Role of Etisalat and Du Etisalat and Du are the two main telecommunications service providers in the UAE. The duopolistic nature of the UAE telecommunications market, dominated by Etisalat and Du, provides a unique case study in leveraging regulated competition to enhance national resilience. The TDRA has pushed for a fixed-line network sharing agreement between the two operators. 2 While commercial disagreements have caused delays in a full rollout, the regulatory push for this sharing arrangement demonstrates the commitment of the UAE’s government to ensuring pervasive network redundancy as a core tenet of disaster preparedness. Both operators have heavily invested in advanced, future-proof network architectures. Etisalat "cloud core" and "agile metro" architectures are designed for massive scale and redundancy. Their strategy includes the virtualization of network functions and the use of software-driven, data-center-based platforms, which

drones can quickly gather detailed post-disaster damage assessment data, without putting human lives at risk. • AI : AI is the analytical engine that can transform raw IoT data into actionable intelligence. AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data from various sources to predict the onset of disasters, allowing for more timely evacuations and risk mitigation. The Deloitte Center for Sustainable Progress report projects that AI could prevent 15 percent of projected natural disaster losses to critical infrastructure, saving an estimated $70 billion globally by 2050. 1 AI also supports post-disaster recovery by optimizing relief distribution and more rapidly assessing damages. The value of AI lies in its ability to improve forecasting, reliability, and accuracy, especially in data-scarce environments, while reducing the computational time and costs associated with traditional models.

1. Component Redundancy : Providing backup for critical, high-risk components.

2. System Redundancy : Implementing full system-level backups, such as a redundant power system. 3. Network Redundancy : Deploying network topologies that provide alternate pathways for data, such as a dual-homed connection to service providers or an optical fiber ring network that provides a redundant pathway in case of a link failure. This model emphasizes physical security through hardened infrastructure, which includes measures to protect physical assets from fire, water damage, and other physical threats. Best practices, such as locating duplicate control panels in a separate part of a facility and having protective coverings for sensitive equipment, are essential for ensuring operational continuity. THE UAE MODEL: A NATIONAL BLUEPRINT FOR RESILIENCE Strategic Governance and Regulation The UAE's approach to ICT resilience provides a powerful case study of how a top-down, government-driven strategy can serve as a national blueprint. This approach is characterized by strong central governance, with key entities leading the charge. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) is the

Edge Computing (Processing Layer)

Disaster Phase IoT (Sensory Layer)

AI (Analytical Engine)

Structural health sensors on buildings, bridges, and power grids. Environmental sensors for early warning of floods, wildfires, and seismic activity. Drones and cameras for real-time aerial views and damage assessment. Infrastructure sensors to monitor for secondary hazards and structural integrity.

Predictive maintenance to identify and address vulnerabilities before failure. Predictive analytics to forecast disaster impacts and optimize resource allocation. Rapid data analysis to provide situational awareness and optimize first responder routes. AI-powered image analysis to quickly assess damages and accelerate rebuilding.

Localized data processing for continuous monitoring and anomaly detection. Decentralized redundancy and backup across multiple nodes for business continuity. On-site data processing for critical applications when the central network is down. Local data storage and synchronization to restore central systems once connectivity is re-established.

Mitigation

Preparedness

Response

Recovery

TABLE 1: ICT Technologies and their role across the disaster resilience lifecycle. Source: STL.

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can enhance efficiency without compromising redundancy. The widespread adoption of high-speed 5G infrastructure is a national priority for building a "resilient digital economy" and ensures that the population has inclusive connectivity to essential services and information. Insights from a Centralized-Decentralized Approach The UAE model is a powerful blend of centralized policy and decentralized infrastructure, a strategic combination that maximizes resilience. The TDRA centrally manages critical national resources like radio frequency spectrum and cybersecurity policy. This top-down authority ensures a unified, national-level strategy for disaster response and recovery. Simultaneously, the physical infrastructure is deployed by operators with redundant, decentralized components. For example, the use of optical fiber ring networks provides a built-in layer of resilience, ensuring that if a single link is broken, data can be rerouted on a complementary ring, maintaining a path to every node. This centralized-decentralized model provides a framework for scaling resilience globally. A strong, national-level strategy, as seen in the UAE, provides the mandate and regulatory environment for resilience. This is a critical component for many countries that lack a cohesive national plan and instead rely on fragmented, ad-hoc responses. The institutionalized commitment of the UAE to resilience provides a stable foundation upon which local, decentralized, and technologically agile infrastructure can be built. GLOBAL APPLICABILITY AND ALIGNMENT WITH UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS A Universal Framework: Adapting the Model to Diverse Geographies The proposed model is a conceptual framework whose core principles, strategic governance, technological integration, and engineering best practices are not limited by geography. The model is adaptable to diverse regional contexts, regardless of their level of development. A DAS model deployed in a UAE stadium, for example, can be adapted to serve

as a public safety network in a rural African community. 3 The model advocates for a national-level approach to disaster preparedness, a best practice promoted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through its National Emergency Telecommunication Plan (NETP) initiative, which many countries are still developing. Principles of this model align with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which highlights the critical role of ICT in disaster risk management.

Model Component

Aligned SDG Target

How the Model Contributes

SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.

The model, exemplified by the UAE's TDRA and NCEMA, provides a unified, national-level framework for promoting and enforcing ICT resilience, a prerequisite for reliable infrastructure. The model fosters innovation by integrating IoT, AI, and edge computing, which can improve data collection, analysis, and decision-making for disaster risk reduction. The use of redundant systems, such as an optical fiber ring network or backup power, ensures continuous operation and minimizes downtime during disruptions, enhancing reliability. By leveraging IoT and AI to provide real- time alerts, the model enables timely action and evacuation, directly contributing to a reduction in human and economic losses. The model provides tailored solutions for "lifeline services" such as hospitals and airports, ensuring these critical functions remain operational and can support broader community resilience.

Strategic Governance

SDG 9.B: Support domestic technology development, research, and innovation.

Technological Integration

Strategic Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals

The proposed model is not merely a technical solution, but a strategic investment in a sustainable and resilient future. It directly contributes to the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly sustainability development goals (SDG) 9 and 11 (Table 2). • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure : This goal seeks to build resilient infrastructure and foster innovation. The model directly addresses Target 9.1, which calls for the development of "quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure" to support economic development and human well-being. By moving from a reactive to a proactive posture, the model also supports Target 9.4, which emphasizes upgrading infrastructure to be more sustainable and resource-efficient. 4 Investing in climate- resilient infrastructure in low- and middle- income countries could save an estimated $4.2 trillion in damages from climate impacts, underscoring the profound economic value of this approach. 5 The model provides a clear, actionable pathway for achieving these targets, demonstrating how investment in ICT is a prerequisite for a sustainable future. • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities : This goal aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The model's focus on special premises in urban environments directly supports Target

SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.

Redundant Infrastructure

Early Warning Systems

SDG 11.5: Significantly reduce the number of deaths and affected people from disasters.

Premises-Specific Solutions

TABLE 2: Alignment of the resilient ICT model with UN SDG targets. Source: STL.

CHARTING A PATH TOWARD A RESILIENT GLOBAL FUTURE The scalable and integrated model for smart ICT infrastructure provides a proactive and comprehensive solution to the evolving threat landscape facing critical premises. The foundational pillars of this model—strategic governance, technological agility, and engineering for continuity are universal principles that can be adapted to any environment. Analysis of the UAE national strategy demonstrates that a top-down, government-driven approach

11.5, which seeks to "significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected" by disasters. 6 The proactive, continuous nature of the model, with its early warning systems and integrated planning, is key to building truly resilient communities that can mitigate the effects of climate change and other shocks. The model provides a practical guide for how cities can adopt and implement integrated policies toward disaster resilience, in line with the Sendai Framework.

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