NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology that exchanges data between two NFC capable devices. NFC is a special form of RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) with the difference that NFC has a relatively small range of maximum 10 centimeters (4 inches) and can be set up for one- or two-way communication. It has been created and tested for some time but recently more people are getting aware of the existence of this promising technology due to smartphones and portable devices coming out equipped with Near Field Communication chips, or NFC chips. Some of the major companies using NFC technologies are: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Blackberry, Amazon, Paypal, Sprint, AT&T, T-mobile, and Verizon, Credit Card/Mobile Companies, Samsung, Nokia, BlackBerry, Sony & more.
NFC allows contactless communication between devices like smartphones or tablets. Contactless communication allows a user to wave the smartphone over a NFC compatible device to send information without touching the devices together or go through multiple steps setting up a connection. Unlike Bluetooth, no pairing code is needed, to function, the interrogator sends out a signal to the tag. If the devices are close enough to each other, the tag becomes powered by the interrogator’s signal. This signal powers the tag, allowing the tag to be small in size and function without any battery or power source of its own.
Near field communication (NFC) technology lets smartphones and other enabled devices communicate with other devices containing a NFC tag. Whether swiping your smartphone at the checkout lane in the grocery store, contactless payment terminal in a shop, train station or coffee shop is able to identify your account (and even your personal preferences, shopping habits and even your most frequently travelled route home) and takes payment through an app on your phone.
NFC technology has possibilities that are limited only by the imaginations of those using it. For example, you can purchase concert tickets and use your NFC compatible smartphone to gain access to a concert. You can also interact with smart posters at the concert for information about a band, the current schedule of events, and upcoming performances. When you’re thirsty, just wave your phone at a merchant’s register to buy a drink. Less tickets and cards to juggle makes the event hassle-free for you.
NFC being one of the standards based connectivity technology, bring into line today’s diverse contactless technologies. NFC enables better technological solutions in areas such as:
• Access control
• Information collection and exchange
• Consumer electronics
• Loyalty and coupons
• Payments
• Healthcare
• Transport
Key Benefits of NFC:
NFC provides a wide range of benefits to consumers and businesses like:
1) Versatility: Due its versatility & wide uses, NFC is ideally suited to a large number of industries and environments.
2) Open Source Technology: The NFC technology consists of underlying layers which follow universally implemented ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards.
3) Technology-enabling: NFC facilitates wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. at much faster and simple way.
4) Security: NFC transmissions are always secure due to its short range (from a touch to a few centimeters).
5) Interoperable: NFC works with existing contactless card technologies.
6) Security-ready: NFC has built-in capabilities to support secure applications.
 7) Spontaneity: NFC interactions just require a simple touch to proceed.
Zahoor Bhat has over 10+ years of experience as an online editor and media manager. He has worked with major online news and content sites as a media manager. He is well versed with major content management systems and web platforms such as WordPress and social media networks including Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Google Business, Yelp, Instagram & Linkedin. He is an expert in content creation, proofreading and finally making it live. Being a social media expert, he is able to make relations with social media influencers and make sure to generate leads and grow business via different social media platforms.
