What is NFC? NFC stands for Near Field Communication. NFC is a standardized set of communications protocols designed for wireless communication among two electronic devices at relatively short ranges (a few centimeters or less). NFC provides a low-power, high-frequency communication with simple configuration that is particularly useful for bootstrapping more-capable, more secure wireless networks.
NFC is not a network like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or anything else. It’s not wireless technology; it’s a way to transmit information between two objects that will be within a range of at least 2 meters. That is to say, it is not an effective means to send a signal from one computer to another. The best that you could do would be to use RF modems and other analog means to communicate with each other.
The basic concept of NFC is similar to that of RF modems in some ways: you set up a wireless connection between two devices by transmitting radio waves. Unlike with RF, though, the frequency of the transmitted waves is not a hundred percent predictable. As such, you need to determine how long you want your device to be on the same frequency, then calculate the amount of time you will need to spend on that frequency, and so on.
This is not as difficult to accomplish with devices such as laptops and smartphones. Because these devices are portable, they are always close to a wireless network or other access point. You can use this access point to establish your own wireless connection. With such a system, all you have to do is connect your device to the network first.
Once your device is connected, you can then access the data it has stored in the device by entering its ID (identifier) into a reader on the device. This allows you to access all the files and settings that are inside the device. There is also a microchip inside the device that allows you to store the stored data and display it on a screen. This way, you can access everything that the device has to offer in a simple way, even when the device is in travel mode.
The next question is why NFC was invented in the first place. Invented by Ericsson, the primary aim of the protocol was to improve the performance of wireless data transmission.
When you transfer data between devices that are not on the same frequency, it takes a long time to transmit the data. With the advent of RF, this isn’t an issue; all data can easily travel through the device in a matter of seconds. With a few exceptions, including the ability to get a Wi-Fi signal through a metal object, there is no way for a person to interfere with the transmission.
Another major benefit of NFC is that it can enable a device to be compatible with other devices that have NFC compatibility. So, for instance, instead of needing to buy several accessories in order to connect your smart phone with your laptop, you could simply buy a transmitter, a receiver, and a reader for your phone, and you can immediately start using your device to share your documents, photos, and contacts.
Some applications are coming up that allow users to make use of the protocol for mobile payment systems. For example, some people are using the system to allow their phone to act as a virtual credit card. If you hold the phone over the reader, it will allow you to enter the pin code printed on the card, and the phone will then transmit the number and amount to the recipient. This way, you are able to accept cards without the need of a physical card.
The technology is also being used in different areas, especially in places where a lot of people walk, like malls, and office buildings. If you have a camera or other device that takes pictures, then you can download these photos to a device and then view them with the smartphone that has NFC capabilities.
For people who want to make sure that the devices they have can work with each other, then you can use a third-party service to help you install the NFC software in the device. That way, you won’t have to worry about installing all the software yourself.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.