ICT Today

January/February/March 2022 I 3 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 the BICSI Sales Department for information at +1 813.979.1991 or 800.242.7405 (U.S. and Canada toll-free) or cnalls@bicsi.org. Publication of advertising should not be deemed as endorsement by BICSI, Inc. BICSI reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to reject any advertisement at any time by any party. © Copyright BICSI, 2022. All rights reserved. BICSI and all other registered trademarks within are property of BICSI, Inc. contents FROM THE PRESIDENT 05 Reflections, Transitions, and a Great 2022 By Todd W. Taylor, RCDD, NTS, OSP COVER ARTICLE 06 Meeting Single-pair Ethernet and Power Delivery Challenges: SPE enables the convergence of traditional IT and OT networks operating over optical fiber or 4-pair ethernet cabling into a com- mon intelligent building or industrial network. Discover how this extends the Ethernet network to new systems and devices to quickly deploy and power buildings, while learning about the latest in testing as well. By Mark Dearing, RCDD, Todd Harpel, RCDD, and Harshang Pandya 18 A Comprehensive Guide to Bonding and Grounding 2.0: Explore the new best practice approach of bonding that simplifies and expedites this misunderstood practice in the ever-evolving low voltage world of ICT infrastructure. Learn how ICT professionals can build upon what has come before and make it better—not by tearing down the past but by building it back up, better. Benjamin Franklin would approve! By David M. Richards, RCDD, NTS, OSP, TECH, CT 26 Smart Integrated ICT Labeling When Modernizing, Upgrading, and Repurposing Existing Space: Surprisingly, the humble label plays a pivotal role in the successful metamorphosis of older space into state-of-the-art connected buildings featuring complex operating systems. Smart labeling simplifies troubleshooting, provides owner security, improves performance, supports compliance, and much more. By Craig Robinson, RCDD 36 Access Networks for the Generations: It is important to know how to build access networks that can take advantage of this generational moment and stand for generations to come. Learn how access networks need to be built for growth and expandability, while needing to be flexible and accessible to accommodate unexpected opportunities and new connections. By Josh Simer 46 Evolving Best Practices for Placement and Termination of Very High Fiber Count Cables in the Outside Plant: Emerging applications, such as 5G and hyperscale data centers, have triggered demand for higher fiber counts. These trends have led to the introduction of new very high fiber count (VHFC) cables. For today's high-density projects, it is important for ICT professionals to understand the key properties of VHFC flexible ribbon cables, their most common applications, and how these cables should be placed and managed in splice closures. By Jon Fitz 54 Wireless AV Installations Today and Into the Future: As wireless AV installations are destined to grow, it is important to explore the use of wireless AV and its relevance in today's pro AV applications. It is also necessary for ICT professionals to gain a detailed overview of the many important technical considerations for successful integration into commercial installations. By Perry Sun JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 Volume 43, Issue 1

• Cover