ICT Today Apr/May/Jun 2026

THE OFFICIAL TRADE JOURNAL OF BICSI ICT TODAY

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

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

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

Dear BICSI Community, Welcome to this Installer’s Edition of ICT Today. This issue is focused on the work installers do every day and the challenges that come with it. While new products, systems, and requirements continue to shape our industry, one thing hasn’t changed: good installation work always matters. It matters to performance, to safety, and to the long-term reliability of the systems people depend on. In this issue, you will read about the choices installers are now facing in optical fiber connectivity. There are more cable types, more termination methods, and more situations that call for sound judgment in the field. You’ll also see why testing remains such an important part of the job. A network is only as good as the work that goes into building and verifying it. This edition also looks at the growing use of DC power technologies such as Fault Managed Power and Power over Ethernet. These systems are opening new possibilities for ICT, but they also require a clear understanding of safe installation practices and code compliance. You will also find discussion around one of the most familiar components in our industry, the RJ45 connector. It’s something many people take for granted, but poor- quality and non-compliant products can create real problems. Paying attention to the basics still makes a difference. Another topic covered in this issue is extended-reach copper cabling. As more

connected devices are placed farther from the telecommunications room, our industry continues to look at practical ways to extend reach without giving up reliability. Taken together, these articles are a reminder that installation work is not just about getting a job done. It’s about getting it done right. That takes skill, patience, training, and pride in the work. Thank you for the work you do and for the role you play in moving this industry forward. BICSI remains committed to supporting installers with the education, resources, and community needed to meet the demands of a changing profession. As we continue to live out our vision of being the global authority advancing safe, secure, and reliable ICT infrastructure, we recognize that this vision is built on one installation, one test, and one job well done at a time.

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, CT Board Director : Richard 'Shane' Ritter, RCDD, DCDC, RTPM Board Director : Gilbert Romo Board Director : Mark Tarrance, RCDD, RTPM Board Director : Jay Thompson, RCDD Board Director : Kristen Trbovich, RTPM, MBA Ex Officio : John H. Daniels, CNM, LFACHE, FHIMSS, CPHIMS – Chief Executive Officer

EDITORIAL REVIEW BOARD Beatriz Bezos, RCDD, DCDC, ESS, NTS, OSP, CT, 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,

William "Bill" Foy, RCDD, DCDC, ESS, NTS, OSP, WD BICSI Board Chair

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

ADVERTISING SALES Courtney Best Nalls +1 813.352.0660 or cnalls@bicsi.org

Senior Project Manager Faith Group, LLC

Allen Dean, Manager, Standards and Publications Operations Mark "Line" Cansino, Senior Creative Designer & Project Manager Landon Carter, Communications Coordinator

Brian Dailey +1 813.769.1854 or bdailey@bicsi.org

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April/May/June 2026

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