Near field

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enable two electronic devices, one of which is usually a portable device such as a smartphone, to establish communication by bringing them within close proximity of each other, typically 4 cm (1.6 in) or less. NFC devices can be used in contactless payment systems, similar to those used in credit cards and electronic ticket smartcards, and allow mobile payment to replace or supplement these systems. NFC is used for social networking, for sharing contacts, photos, videos, or files, and in NFC tags that can be attached to or embedded in objects, enabling them to be identified and communicated with.

Overview

NFC operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and can achieve data transfer rates of up to 424 kbit/s. It is built upon Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, specifically the ISO/IEC 14443 and FeliCa standards, which allows NFC devices to communicate with existing RFID readers. Unlike Bluetooth, NFC is designed for use at close range, and its short range reduces the likelihood of unwanted interception, making it particularly suitable for crowded areas where correlating a signal with its transmitting device might otherwise be problematic.

Modes of Operation

NFC operates in three modes:

• Reader/writer mode: The NFC device is capable of reading NFC tags and smart posters embedded with NFC chips.
• Peer-to-peer mode: Two NFC devices can exchange information, such as virtual business cards or digital content.
• Card emulation mode: An NFC device can act like a smart card, allowing users to perform transactions such as payment or ticketing.

Applications

NFC's applications are diverse and include:

• Mobile payment: NFC enables mobile phones to be used for contactless payment, similar to contactless credit cards.
• Electronic ticketing: NFC can be used for public transport and event ticketing.
• Smart posters: Posters embedded with NFC tags can provide digital content when scanned with an NFC device.
• Access control: NFC devices can serve as electronic keys to access buildings or vehicles.
• Data sharing: NFC simplifies the process of sharing contacts, photos, videos, or files between devices.
• Healthcare: NFC technology is used in healthcare settings for patient identification, access to medical records, and tracking of medications.

Security

While NFC's short range offers some security, concerns remain about eavesdropping, data modification, and relay attacks. Various encryption techniques and secure channel protocols are employed to mitigate these risks.

Future of NFC

The future of NFC technology appears promising, with ongoing developments aimed at increasing its security, range, and speed. Innovations such as wearable NFC devices and more widespread use in transportation and healthcare are expected to drive further adoption of NFC technology.