CHAPTER 1 NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Near Field Communication is a radio technology that supports transactions at distances of

a few centimeters. NFC is designed to support existing RFID transactions including

contactless payments and some ticketing systems. During a transaction, one party can be

completely inactive, drawing power inductively from the active party. Even the active

party draws little power and can be left on all the time with minimal effect on the phone’s

overall power draw. Also, the nearness of NFC transactions creates the possibility of

using proximity as context and triggering an appropriate action almost instantaneously.

The primary driver for the adoption of NFC on cell phones is contactless payments and

ticketing. NFC, in the form factor of a credit card, has been used widely in Japan and

Hong Kong for many years: for public transportation, vending machines, and

convenience stores. Standards have also been created for “smart posters” posters, signs,

and magazine pages can possess cheap, embedded data tags that contain information such

as details of museum exhibits, transportation schedules, discount coupons, movie clips, or

links to e-commerce sites. A third important use of NFC is for making connections

between electronic devices—simply touching the devices together will configure them to

connect over a longer-range protocol such as Bluetooth Wi-Fi.

Figure 1.1: Basic NFC Fundamentals

The NFC communication is based on a inductive RF link on 13.56 MHz .There are even

active and passive NFC mode at different transfer speeds from 106 to 424 kbps. It has

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backward compatibility with RFID systems and allows communication, both between

two powered devices and powered and non-self-powered devices. It has Standardization

of the communication signal interface and Standardization of the general protocol flow.

NFC operates in the standard, globally available 13.56MHz frequency band. Possible

supported data transfer rate is 424 kbps and there is potential for higher data rates. The

technology has been designed for communications up to a distance of 20 cm, but

typically it is used within less than 10 cm. This short range is not a disadvantage, since it

aggravates eavesdropping.

There are different possibilities to attack the Near Field Communication technology. On

the one hand the different used devices can be manipulated physically. This may be the

removal of a tag from the tagged item or wrapping them in metal foil in order to shield

the RF signal. Another aspect is the violation of privacy. If proprietary information is

stored on a tag it is important to prevent from unauthorized read and writes access. In the

case of rewritable tags we have to assume that attackers may have mobile readers and the

appropriate software which enable unauthorized read and write access if the reader

distance is normal. In this work we want to focus on attacks with regard to the

communication between two devices. For detecting errors, NFC uses the cyclic

redundancy check. This method allows devices to check whether the received data has

been corrupted. In the following, we will consider different possible types of attacks on

the NFC communication. For most of these attacks there are countermeasures in order to

avoid or at least reduce the threats. NFC devices are able to receive and transmit data at

the same time. That means, they can check the radio frequency field and will notice the

collision. NFC has the potential to be a disruptive technology, changing the way that lives

are lived, transforming everyday tasks, making things easier, more intuitive and more

effective. NFC wireless communications can be applied in many different ways, some of

which are outlined in this document. However, perhaps most exciting of all is the creation

of an environment with all the key components for NFC to become a mass adoption

technology. From here, any number of applications can be created to sit within the

environment. Thus NFC provides almost perfect wireless data transfer technology and

can be used for variety of applications and make its use worthful because of these day to

day benefits, features and utilization of Near Field Communication.

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1.2 BASIC OVERVIEW

NFC traces its roots back to Radio-frequency identification, or RFID. RFID allows a

reader to send radio waves to a passive electronic tag for identification and tracking. In

1983 the first patent to be associated with the abbreviation RFID. Then in 2004 Nokia,

Philips and Sony established the Near Field Communication (NFC) Forum. Further in

2006 Initial specifications for NFC Tags and Specification for "Smart Poster" records

also come into account with Nokia 6131 was the first NFC phone in this year. In January

2009, NFC Forum released Peer-to-Peer standards to transfer contact. In 2011 Google I/O

"How to NFC" demonstrates NFC to initiate a game and to share a contact. In 2012

March EAT, a well-known UK restaurant chain and Everything Everywhere (Orange

Mobile Network Operator) partner on the UK's first nationwide NFC enabled smart

poster campaign. (Lead by Rene' Batsford, Head of ICT for EAT, also known for

deploying the UK's first nationwide contactless payment solution in 2008). A specially

created mobile phone app is triggered when the NFC enabled mobile phone comes into

contact with the smart poster.

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CHAPTER 2 FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF NFC

2.1 BENEFITS OF NFC

There various benefits of this wireless technology that enables the user to perform

various tasks. These benefits can be listed as follows:

Reach and Availability: NFC has the potential over time to be integrated into

every mobile handset in the world. This would give the technology a potential

reach as global as the mobile phone itself. By integrating NFC technology into a

mobile handset, users could gain access to a number of new services via their

phone.

Variety of Use: NFC can be used for a number of tasks, from payment for goods

to ticketing and from pairing devices to sharing information or discovering new

services. Examples of these applications are outlined in this document.

Ease of Use: Because NFC only requires that two devices touch in order to

communicate; NFC can simplify many tasks, from opening a web browser on a

mobile phone to pairing two Bluetooth devices automatically to accessing

wireless hotspots simply and easily.

Security: NFC requires a user to actively wave or hold their mobile device

against another device or NFC station to activate a service or to share information.

In so doing, the technology requires the user to make a positive action to confirm

the transaction or exchange. In addition it is possible to build multiple levels of

security into an NFC enabled device.

Value Added Services: NFC enables users to access value added services that

would otherwise be unavailable with a traditional ticket or payment card. Just as

users of prepay mobile services are able to access their current credit balance

through the phone’s menu system, so users of an NFC enabled phone will be able

to access similar information through their device. Furthermore, NFC enabled

devices could access the mobile network to add credit to the device when it runs

out or is low, or alternatively on a set date each week or month.

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Infrastructure: NFC is compatible with the current contactless infrastructure

used as a platform for ticketing, transportation and increasingly payment across

the world. NFC mobile devices could easily be made compatible with the major

transport systems world-wide that use contactless access to services. The roll out

of NFC to existing contactless environments is straight forward. Users know how

the system works and much of the infrastructure is in place already. The roll out

of NFC is an extension to services that already exist, but enhanced with the

additional element of a mobile phone’s user interface and a connection to the

internet.

2.2 FEATURES OF NFC

NFC is easy to use wireless communication interface for the last few centimeters

and provides an easy to use target selection, by simply holding two devices close

to each other.

It is based on RFID technology at 13.56 MHz and has Operating distance typical

up to 20 cm. It is compatible with today’s field proven contactless RFID

technology and provide data exchange rate today up to 424 kilobits/s.

NFC is designed for short distance wireless communication. It allows intuitive

initialization of wireless networks. NFC is complementary to Bluetooth and

802.11 with their long distance capabilities.

NFC also works in dirty environment.

NFC does not require line of sight. It has an easy and simple connection method.

It provides communication method to non-self-powered devices. Near-field

coupling is the most straight forward approach for implementing a passive RFID

system.

This wireless technology has both active and passive NFC mode at different

transfer speeds from 106 to 424 kbps. It has backward compatibility with RFID

systems.

It allows communication between two powered devices: powered and non-self-

powered devices.

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It is easy to control NFC communications whether the two devices communicate

by simply placing them next to each other or keeping them apart.

Near Field Communication (NFC) represents the second generation of the

proximity contact-less technology, which supports peer-to-peer communication,

and enables consumer access to aggregated services, anytime, anywhere, with any

type of consumer stationary and mobile devices.

Figure 2.1: NFC Network

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CHAPTER 3TECHNOLOGY FOCUS

3.1 TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW

Near Field Communication is a standards-based, short-range wireless connectivity

technology that enables convenient short-range communication between electronic

devices. The underlying layers of NFC technology are ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards.

NFC applications can be split into the following four basic categories: Touch and Go:

Applications such as access control or transport/event ticketing, where the user needs

only to bring the device storing the ticket or access code close to the reader. Also, for

simple data capture applications, such as picking up an Internet URL from a smart label

on a poster. Touch and Confirm: Applications such as mobile payment where the user has

to confirm the interaction by entering a password or just accepting the transaction. Touch

and Connect: Linking two NFC-enabled devices to enable peer to peer transfer of data

such as downloading music, exchanging images or synchronizing address books. Touch

and Explore: NFC devices may offer more than one possible function. The consumer will

be able to explore a device's capabilities to find out which functionalities and services are

offered. NFC Standards: NFC is a standard, and is ISO standards-based. The ISO 14443

is an international standard for contact-less smart cards operating at 13.56 MHz in close

proximity with a reader antenna.

3.2 NFC STANDARDS

The protocol is based on a wireless interface. There are always two parties to the

communication; hence the protocol is also known as peer-to-peer communication

protocol. The protocol establishes wireless network connections between network

appliances and consumer electronics devices. The interfaces operate in the unregulated

RF band of 13.56 MHz this means that no restrictions are applied and no licenses are

required for the use of NFC devices in this RF band. Of course, each country imposes

certain limitations on the electromagnetic emissions in this RF band. The limitations

mean that in practice the distance at which the devices can connect to each other is

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restricted and this distance may vary from country to country. Generally speaking, we

consider the operating distances of 0~20 cm.

As is often the case with the devices sharing a single RF band, the communication is half-

duplex. The devices implement the “listen before talk” policy – any device must first

listen on the carrier and start transmitting a signal only if no other device can be detected

transmitting. NFC protocol distinguishes between the Initiator and the Target of the

communication. Any device may be either an Initiator or a Target. The Initiator, as

follows from the name, is the device that initiates and controls the exchange of data. The

Target is the device that answers the request from the Initiator. Near Field

Communication is an open platform technology, developed by Philips and Sony. NFC,

described by Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol 1, is standardized in ISO

18092 , ECMA 340 as well as in ETSI TS 102 190 These standards specify the basic

capabilities, such as the transfer speeds, the bit encoding schemes, modulation, the frame

architecture, and the transport protocol. Furthermore, the active and passive NFC modes

are described and the conditions that are required to prevent collisions during

initialization.

NFCIP-2 allows for selecting one of three operating modes: NFC data transfer (NFCIP-

1), proximity coupling device (PCD), defined in ISO 14443, and vicinity coupling device

(VCD), defined in ISO 15693 NFC devices have to provide these three functions in order

to be compatible with the main international standards for smartcard interoperability, ISO

14443, ISO 15693 (vicinity cards) and to Sony’s Felicia contactless smart card system.

Hence, as a combination of smartcard and contactless interconnection technologies, NFC

is compatible with today’s field proven RFID-technology. That means, it is providing

compatibility with the millions of contactless smartcards and scanners that already exist

worldwide

3.3 FUNCTIONALITY OF NFC

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a technology for contactless short-range

communication. Based on the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), it uses magnetic

field induction to enable communication between electronic devices. The technology

works via magnetic field induction and operates on an unlicensed radio frequency band.

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Tags are embedded within devices (these could be mobile devices such as mobile phones

or PDAs, or NFC stations such as ticket barriers or cash registers). NFC enables devices

that are held together to share information either in one direction or both. NFC is based

on Radio Frequency Identification technology, which is compatible with most of the

contactless transportation and ticketing solutions that are commonly used around the

world to enable quick and smooth flow of people within public transportation systems or

ticketed environments. NFC is an open platform technology and was approved as an

ISO/IEC global standard in December 2003.NFC is a short-range, standards-based

wireless connectivity technology, based on RFID technology that uses magnetic field

induction to enable communication between electronic devices in close proximity. It

provides a seamless medium for the identification protocols that validate secure data

transfer. This enables users to perform intuitive, safe, contactless transactions, access

digital content and connect electronic devices simply by touching or bringing devices into

close proximity. NFC operates in the standard unlicensed 13.56MHz frequency band over

a distance of up to around 20 centimeters. Currently it offers data transfer rates of

106kbit/s, 212kbit/s and 424kbit/s, and higher rates are expected in the future. For two

devices to communicate using NFC one device must have an NFC reader/writer and one

must have an NFC tag. The tag is essentially an integrated circuit containing data,

connected to an antenna that can be read and written by the reader. There are two modes

of operation covered by the NFC protocol: active and passive.

In active mode, both devices generate their own radio field to transmit data. In passive

mode, only one device generates a radio field, while the other uses load modulation to

transfer data. The NFC protocol specified that the initiating device is responsible for

generating the radio field in this case. The passive mode of communication is very

important for battery-powered devices like mobile phones and PDAs that need to

prioritize energy use. The NFC protocol enables such devices to be used in power-saving

mode, so that energy can be conserved for other operations. NFC is a set of short-range

wireless technologies, typically requiring a distance of 4 cm or less. NFC operates at

13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 air interface and at rates ranging from 106 Kbit/s to 424

Kbit/s. NFC always involves an initiator and a target; the initiator actively generates an

RF field that can power a passive target. This enables NFC targets to take very simple

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form factors such as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not require batteries. NFC

peer-to-peer communication is possible, provided both devices are powered. A patent

licensing program for NFC is currently under development by Via Licensing

Corporation, an independent subsidiary of Dolby Laboratories.NFC tags contain data and

are typically read-only but may be rewriteable. They can be custom-encoded by their

manufacturers or use the specifications provided by the NFC Forum, an industry

association charged with promoting the technology and setting key standards. The tags

can securely store personal data such as debit and credit card information, loyalty

program data, PINs and networking contacts, among other information. The NFC Forum

defines four types of tags which provide different communication speeds and capabilities

in terms of configurability, memory, security, data retention and write endurance. Tags

currently offer between 96 and 4,096 bytes of memory.

As with proximity card technology, near-field communication uses magnetic induction

between two loop antennas located within each other's near field, effectively forming an

air-core transformer. It operates within the globally available and unlicensed radio

frequency ISM band of 13.56 MHz Most of the RF energy is concentrated in the allowed

±7 kHz bandwidth range, but the full spectral envelope may be as wide as 1.8 MHz when

using ASK modulation. Theoretical working distance with compact standard antennas: up

to 20 cm (practical working distance of about 4 centimeters) .Supported data rates: 106,

212 or 424 Kbit/s (the bit rate 848 Kbit/s is not compliant with the standard ISO/IEC

18092). NFC employs two different coding to transfer data. If an active device transfers

data at 106 Kbit/s, a modified Miller coding with 100% modulation is used. In all other

cases Manchester coding is used with a modulation ratio of 10%. NFC devices are able to

receive and transmit data at the same time. Thus, they can check for potential collisions if

the received signal frequency does not match with the transmitted signal’s frequency. The

general protocol flow can be divided into the initialization and transport protocol. The

initialization comprises the collision avoidance and selection of targets, where the

initiator determines the communication mode (active or passive) and chooses the transfer

speed. The transport protocol is divided in three parts: Activation of the protocol, which

includes the Request for Attributes and the Parameter Selection, the data exchange

protocol, and he deactivation of the protocol including the deselection and the release.

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During one transaction, the mode (active and passive) and the role (initiator and target)

does not change until the communication is finished. Though, the data transfer speed may

be changed by a parameter change procedure. For further details the reader may refer to

the standards.

Figure 3.1: Functionality of NFC

3.4 MODES OF OPERATION

The NFC interface can operate in two different modes: active and passive. An active

device generates its own radio frequency (RF) field, whereas a device in passive mode

has to use inductive coupling to transmit data. For battery-powered devices, like mobile

phones, it is better to act in passive mode. In contrast to the active mode, no internal

power source is required. In passive mode, a device can be powered by the RF field of an

active NFC device and transfers data using load modulation. Hence, the protocol allows

for card emulation, e.g., used for ticketing applications, even when the mobile phone is

turned off. The communication between two active devices case is called active

communication mode, whereas the communication between an active and a passive

device is called passive communication mode. In active mode, both devices generate their

own radio field to transmit data. In passive mode, only one device generates a radio field,

while the other uses load modulation to transfer data. The NFC protocol specified that the

initiating device is responsible for generating the radio field in this case. The passive

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mode of communication is very important for battery-powered devices like mobile

phones and PDAs that need to prioritize energy use.

TABLE 3.1: Modes of NFC

3.4.1 Active Mode:

In this mode both the initiator and the target are using their own generated RF fields to

enable communication.

Figure 3.2: Active Mode

3.4.2 Passive Mode:

In this mode the target answers to the initiator command in a load modulation scheme.

The initiator generates the RF field.

Figure 3.3: Passive Mode

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3.5 INITIATOR AND TARGET

The initiator is the one who wishes to communicate and starts the communication. The

target receives the initiator’s communication request and sends back a reply. This

concept prevents the target from sending any data without first receiving a message.

Regarding the passive communication mode, the passive device acts always as NFC

target. Here the active device is the initiator, responsible for generating the radio field.

In the case of an active configuration in which the RF field is alternately generated, the

roles of initiator and target are strictly assigned by the one who starts the

communication. By default all devices are NFC targets, and only act as NFC initiator

device if it is required by the application. Usually misunderstandings are rather rare,

since the devices have to be placed in direct proximity. The protocol proceeds from the

principle: listen before talk. If the initiator wants to communicate, first, it has to make

sure that there is no external RF field, in order not to disturb any other NFC

communication. It has to wait silently as long as another RF field is detected, before it

can start the communication, after an accurately defined guard-time. If the case occurs

that two or more targets answer at exactly the same time, a collision will be detected by

the initiator.

Table 3.2: Possible Initiator/Target Combinations

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CHAPTER 4 NFC V/S EXISTING TECHNOLOGIES

4.1 NFC V/S RFID

The technologies Radio Frequency Identification and Near Field Communication use the

same working standards. However, the essential extension of RFID is the communication

mode between two active devices. In addition to contactless smart cards (ISO 14443),

which only support communication between powered devices and passive tags, NFC also

provides peer-to-peer communication. Thus, NFC combines the feature to read out and

emulate RFID tags, and furthermore, to share data between electronic devices that both

have active power.

4.2 COMPARISON WITH BLUETOOTH

Compared to other short-range communication technologies, which have been integrated

into mobile phones, NFC simplifies the way consumer devices interact with one another

and obtains faster connections. The problem with infrared, the oldest wireless technology

introduced in 1993, is the fact that a direct line of sight is required, which reacts

sensitively to external influences such as light and reflecting objects.

Figure 4.1: NFC v/s Bluetooth

The significant advantage over Bluetooth is the shorter set-up time. Instead of performing

manual configurations to identify the other’s phone, the connection between two NFC

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devices is established at once (<0,1s). All these protocols are point-to-point protocols.

Bluetooth also supports point-to multipoint communications. With less than 10 cm, NFC

has the shortest range. This provides a degree of security and makes NFC suitable for

crowded areas. The data transfer rate of NFC (424 kbps) is slower than Bluetooth (721

kbps), but faster than infrared (115 kbps). In contrast to Bluetooth and infrared NFC is

compatible to RFID.NFC and Bluetooth are both short-range communication

technologies which are integrated into mobile phones. As described in technical detail

below, NFC operates at slower speeds than Bluetooth, but consumes far less power and

doesn’t require pairing. NFC sets up faster than standard Bluetooth, but is not faster than

Bluetooth low energy. With NFC, instead of performing manual configurations to

identify devices, the connection between two NFC devices is automatically established

quickly: in less than a tenth of a second.

The maximum data transfer rate of NFC (424 Kbit/s) is slower than that of Bluetooth

V2.1 (2.1 Mbit/s). With a maximum working distance of less than 20 cm, NFC has a

shorter range, which reduces the likelihood of unwanted interception. That makes NFC

particularly suitable for crowded areas where correlating a signal with its transmitting

physical device (and by extension, its user) becomes difficult. In contrast to Bluetooth,

NFC is compatible with existing passive RFID (13.56 MHz ISO/IEC 18000-3)

infrastructures. NFC requires comparatively low power, similar to the Bluetooth V4.0

low energy protocol. However, when NFC works with an unpowered device (e.g. on a

phone that may be turned off, a contactless smart credit card, a smart poster, etc.), the

NFC power consumption is greater than that of Bluetooth V4.0 Low Energy, this is

because illuminating the passive tag needs extra power.

4.3 COMPARISON WITH OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

IrDA is a short range (< 1 meter), line-of-sight communication standard for exchange of

data over infrared light. IrDA interfaces are frequently used in computers and mobile

phones. Wi-Fi technology was designed and optimized for Local Area Networks (LAN);

it provides an extension or replacement of wired networks for dozens of computing

devices within a +100-meter range. ZigBee wireless technology is a standard enabling

15

control and monitoring capabilities for industrial and residential applications within a

+100-meter range.Table 4.1 Comparison of NFC with Existing technologies

4.4 ADVANTAGES OF NFC

Complementary to existing wireless technologies

Interoperable with compatible RFID systems at 13.56 MHz

Allows communication, both between two powered devices and between

powered and passive devices.

Reduced cost of electronic issuance. Multi-issue ticketing operators like mass

transport operators or event ticketing operators see phenomenal cost reductions

in electronic ticketing. Security-sensitive airlines have already moved to "e-

ticketing" in order to reduce costs.

Increased revenue from interactive services. Mobile network operators and

content providers earn revenue when users choose to use value added services.

NFC surrounds the user with advertisements and valuable information within

easy reach.

NFC-enabled devices drive consumption of rich media content. NFC will fuel

the market for advanced personal devices that consumers use to purchase, play,

store, and share rich media content.

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Consumer preference for NFC-enabled services. Users may have no choice

about which ticket they use for a service, but they typically can choose how

they pay. Convenience is a strong differentiator and more convenient payment

will drive adoption of contactless and NFC technology.

Highest convenience for the user, due to intuitive usage by simply holding two

devices close to each other.

4.5 DISADVANTAGES OF NFC

The system has the limitation that it can be operated only with devices under a

short range i.e., around 10 cm.

The data transfer rate is very less at about 106kbps, 212 kbps and 424kbps.

Costly implementation on the electronic basis.

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CHAPTER 5 APPLICATIONS OF NFC

5.1 USEFULNESS OF NFC

The NFC communication is based on RF link on 13.56 MHz .There are even active and

passive NFC mode at different transfer speeds from 106 to 424 kbps. It has backward

compatibility with RFID systems and allows communication, both between two powered

devices and powered and non-self-powered devices.NFC is used for the variety of

applications.

5.1.1 Contactless Payment: NFC has a short range of about 1.5 inches. This makes it a

good choice for secure transactions, such as contactless credit card payments.

MasterCard and Visa are both members of the NFC Forum, and both companies

have been involved in pilot programs that use NFC-enabled phones as a flash

payment option.

5.1.2 Public Transportation: NFC works with most contactless smart cards and

readers, meaning it could easily be integrated into the public transit payment

systems in cities that already use a smart card swipe. In 2008, German rail

operator Deutsche Bahn launched an NFC-ticketing pilot program in which 200

travelers touched their phones to an NFC tag when they boarded the train and then

to another when they got off. An NFC device can be used to access a public

transportation system, be it train, bus, or subway. Again, scanning into the system

can invoke applications

5.1.3 Health Care: NFC tags provide medical professionals with information about

what treatments a patient should receive, but they can also keep track of when

nurses and doctors have checked in with that patient and when. Each time the tag

is scanned, the information about who scanned it and when can be transferred to a

database. In addition to improving treatment, NFC tags also have potential in the

research realm.

5.1.4 Ease of Use: If NFC-enabled phones become prevalent, you’ll likely be able to

initiate a two-player game by touching your phones together. You’ll be able to

link a headset to your phone or print a photo just by touching your device to a

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printer. A second-place winner in the 2009 NFC Forum competition developed a

touch-dial system for people who have trouble making phone calls. The user is

able to tap a photo of the person he wants to call. The embedded NFC tag in the

photo transmits the proper number to the phone automatically.

5.1.5 Smart Touch: An NFC tag often contains information like a phone number or

URL. One of the largest series of experiments that uses phones to pick up

information from tagged locations is Smart Touch, a project funded under the

European research program between 2006 and 2008. Most of the trials took place

in Oulu, Finland, where the city installed about 1,500 info tags in buses, at bus

stops, the theater, a restaurant, and a pub that could be read with a mobile phone.

For instance, theater patrons could not only use their mobile phones as tickets, or

to order refreshments, but they could also scan tagged posters for more

information about plays.

Figure 5.1: Smart Touch

5.1.6 Payment and Ticketing: NFC enables users to make fast and secure purchases,

go shopping with electronic money, and also to buy, store and use electronic

tickets, such as concert/event tickets, plane tickets, travel cards, etc. Social

networking: NFC can be used in social networking situations, such as sharing

contacts, photos, videos or files, and entering multiplayer mobile games. NFC-

enabled mobile devices can store a payment application that is compatible with

the millions of installed contactless payment readers

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Figure 5.2: Ticketing using NFC

5.1.7 Sporting Events: NFC-enabled smart phones can be used as a ticket for entry

into sporting events. After scanning in, the phone launches an application

associated with the event. It is loaded knowing the user’s seat, and can be used to

order concessions for delivery. Payment can occur through the application as well

for a smoother user experience.

5.1.8 Identification: By using the phone as an ATM card, money can be withdrawn

which is credited or deducted on the phone bill. Electronic keys: For example,

these can be car keys, house/office keys, etc. In addition, NFC makes it possible

to use mobile phones instead of identity documents. In Japan, for example,

student IDs can be stored on cell phones, which allow the students to

electronically register for classes, to open locked campus doors, buy food at the

school cafeteria, borrow books, and even get discounts at local movie theaters,

restaurants, and shops. The data stored on any tagged object (e.g. a DVD box or a

poster) can be accessed by mobile phones in order to download movie trailers,

street-maps, travel timetables etc. Movie tickets can be purchased and collected

by swiping the phone on the self-service counter without waiting in line. Set-up

Service: To avoid the complicated configuration process, NFC can be used for the

set-up of other longer-range wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth or Wireless

LAN. NFC can be used for a number of tasks, from payment for goods to

ticketing and from pairing devices to sharing information or discovering new

services. Examples of these applications are outlined in this document. Thus NFC

can be used for variety of applications. Hence it can be used for many

applications.NFC is a worldwide technology that can be used for many utilization.

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Figure 5.3: Applications of NFC

21

CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE

6.1 CONCLUSION

NFC is an efficient technology for communications with short ranges. It offers an

intuitive and simple way to transfer data between electronic devices. A significant

advantage of this technique is the compatibility with existing RFID infrastructures. It

would bring benefits to the setup of longer-range wireless technologies, such as

Bluetooth. With regard to the security of NFC, different attacks should be taken into

account and possible countermeasures to mitigate their impact. Despite the restriction of

the range, eavesdropping or data modification attacks can be carried out. But,

disregarding attacks, NFC provides security against Man-in-the-Middle-Attacks. In order

to provide protection against these threats, the establishment of a secure channel is

necessary. For this purpose simply the well-known DH key agreement can be used,

because Man-in-the-Middle-Attacks represent no threat. With a secure channel NFC

provides confidentiality, integrity and authenticity. Many products and devices will soon

be NFC enabled, including credit cards as well as train tickets. But the mobile handset is

the first target for NFC applications which are already implemented in a successful

manner. Operators are the primary customers for handsets and, therefore, are the

gatekeepers who will decide when NFC is to be integrated into the handsets they

subsidize for their customers. When compared to the other short-range radio

technologies, NFC is extremely short ranged and people-centric. Some of the other short-

range communication technologies have similar characteristics, for example RFID, while

others are completely different yet complimentary to NFC; for example Bluetooth and

Infrared. A good scenario of such compliment is the combination of NFC and Bluetooth,

where NFC is used for pairing (authenticating) a Bluetooth session used for the transfer

of data.

6.2 FUTURE SCOPE

NFC is based on existing contactless infrastructure around the world that is already in use

by millions of people on a daily basis. NFC is not a fashionable nice-to-have technology,

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but actually a technology that makes people’s lives easier – easier to pay for goods and

services, easier to use public transport, and easier to share data between devices. At the

heart of NFC’s benefits is its simplicity of use – holding two objects together is intuitive

for everyone, young or old. NFC is building on existing systems and human actions, so it

has a very good chance to be valued and used for many years to come. The NFC

technology is expected to have a remarkable growth in the coming years. Almost every

mobile handset will have NFC incorporated in it. The figure below shows the expected

growth of NFC devices.

Figure 6.1: Expected Growth of NFC Devices

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REFERENCES

[1] http://www.nfc-forum.org

[2] http://www.gemalto.com/nfc.html

[3] www.radio-electronics.com/info/wireless/nfc/nfc_overview.php

[4] http://mashable.com/2010/05/06/near-field-communication/

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication

[6] http://mashable.com/2010/05/06/near-field-communication/

[7] http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/nfc/index.html

[8] http://java.sun.com/developer/technicalArticles/javame/nfc/

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