BICSI Optical LAN Council (OLC)

The BICSI Optical LAN Council (OLC) defines how optical LAN is understood, evaluated, and applied within a standards-aligned information and communications technology (ICT) framework.
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Advancing Optical LAN Within the ICT Framework

Optical LAN is becoming an increasingly important part of modern building infrastructure – but how it is understood, designed, and implemented is not always consistent.

The BICSI Optical LAN Council (OLC) brings optical LAN into a broader, standards-aligned ICT framework so it can be evaluated and applied with greater clarity, consistency, and confidence.

Building on the foundation established by Association for the Promotion of Optical Lan (APOLAN), BICSI OLC expands this work by connecting optical LAN to the disciplines that define infrastructure performance: design, installation, and standards.

This is not a standalone conversation; it is part of how ICT infrastructure is delivered at scale and without compromise.

Why Optical LAN Matters

As infrastructure demands increase, organizations are expected to support more connectivity, more performance, and more integration across the built environment.

Optical LAN introduces an approach that can support these demands through:

  • Simplified network architecture
  • Reduced space, power, and cooling requirements
  • Long-term scalability
  • Flexibility across diverse building environments
  • A more streamlined physical infrastructure footprint

But technology alone does not determine outcomes. 

How optical LAN is designed, installed, and integrated ultimately defines its performance. BICSI OLC exists to ensure those conversations happen within the right context.

What You’ll Find Through BICSI OLC

Learn the fundamentals of optical LAN within the context of real-world ICT infrastructure, including design considerations, installation requirements, and system integration.

Contribute to Optical LAN Advancement
The BICSI Optical LAN Council brings together organizations and professionals committed to advancing optical LAN knowledge, education, and standards-aligned practices.
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Connect Through the Optical LAN Community
The BICSI Optical LAN Council brings together professionals across design, engineering, installation, manufacturing, and building infrastructure to advance informed, standards-aligned optical LAN practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • By bringing APOLAN's expertise into BICSI, the Optical LAN community gains access to a broader platform for standards, education, professional development, and industry engagement while preserving the work APOLAN has established. Both organizations believe the Optical LAN community can achieve greater impact through a single, integrated effort.

  • The purpose that originally brought the community together remains the same. APOLAN will formally dissolve as an independent organization following the completion of the asset transfer, but its work, resources, and community will continue through the BICSI Optical LAN Council. The Council will provide a dedicated forum for Optical LAN education, technical resources, industry collaboration, and industry guidance.

  • Current APOLAN participation will transition into the BICSI Optical LAN Council participation structure, supporting continuity within the new framework. Participation in the Council will require BICSI membership. Voting participants must be BICSI Corporate Members in good standing, while certain non-voting participation categories may be available to corporate or individual BICSI members, depending on the participation class. Organizations that are not currently BICSI members will receive a complimentary one-year BICSI Corporate Membership to support the transition.

  • The Council will be guided by a Steering Committee and supported by committees and workgroups. Participants will continue to contribute to education, technical resources, industry guidance, and the advancement of Optical LAN technologies within the broader telecommunications profession. The Council will also benefit from BICSI's global platform, standards, education, professional development resources, and operational support.

  • Existing initiatives and future Optical LAN events will continue through the BICSI Optical LAN Council, supported by BICSI's established processes, resources, and quality standards. Participation will be managed through BICSI, with additional details shared as the transition progresses. For assistance during the transition, contact bicsiolc@bicsi.org.

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