NEAR FIELD COMMUNICAITON

Near

Field

Communication

NFC – What is it ???

NFC or Near Field Communication is a short range high frequency wireless communication technology. A radio communication is established by touching the two phones or keeping them in a proximity of a few centimeters. NFC is mainly aimed for mobile or handheld devices. NFC is an extension of Radio frequency identification. It is a form of contactless communication between devices.

EVOLUTION OF NFC TECHNOLOGY

In 2004, NFC Forum was formed by Nokia, Philips, Sony to set standards for NFC . Every NFC enabled device will have an “N-Mark” trademark ,developed by NFC Forum.

In 2006, first mobile phone( nokia 6131) with NFC was released by NOKIA.

In 2010, first android phone SAMSUNG NEXUS S with NFC support was released.Sony introduced "Smart Tags", which use NFC technology to change modes and profiles on sony smartphones.

OPERATION OF NFCNear field communication is based on inductive-coupling.NFC works using magnetic induction between two loop antennas.

A reader emits a small electric current, which creates a magnetic field that in turn bridges the physical space between the devices. That field is received by a similar coil in the client device, where it is turned back into electrical impulses to communicate data such as identification number, status information, or any other information.

So, NFC use an initiator and a target; the initiator actively generates an RF field that can power a passive target, while 'active' or 'peer-to-peer' tags have their own power source and respond to the reader using their own electromagnetic fields.

MODES OF OPERATION

Active mode-

In this mode, both devices with NFC chip can generate an electromagnetic field and exchange information with each other.

Inducing magnetic field

Two NFC enabled devices transferring data in active mode

APPLICATIONS OF NFC

APPLICATIONS OF NFC

Touch and GoApplications such as access control, where the user needs only to bring the device storing the ticket or access code close to the reader.

Linking two NFC-enabled devices to enable peer to peer transfer of data.

Touch and Conect

APPLICATIONS OF NFC

Applications such as mobile payment where the user has to confirm the interaction by entering a password or just accepting the transaction.

Touch and Confirm

Benefits of NFC

1. Versatile: NFC is ideally suited to the broadest range of industries, environments, and uses

2. Open and standards-based: The underlying layers of NFC technology follow universally implemented ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards

3. Technology-enabling: NFC facilitates fast and simple setup of wireless technologies, (such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.)

4. Inherently secure: NFC transmissions are secure due to short range communication

5. Interoperable: NFC works with existing Contactless card technologies

6. Security-ready: NFC has built-in capabilities to support secure applications

ADVANTAGES OF NFC

High convenience to the user, because the data exchange is done just by bringing two mobiles together.Reduces cost of electronic issuance .Secure communication. No special software. No manual configuration and settings.No search and pair procedure.NFC can be used together with existing technologies like Bluetooth and thus act for longer range also.NFC uses are practically limitless.

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.Eavesdropping

Data Corruption and Manipulation

Theft

SOME DEVICES USING NFC TECHNOLOGY

NEAR FIELD COMMUNICAITON

Mobile handsets are the primary target for NFC and soon NFC will be implemented in most handheld devices.

The advancements in mobile wireless technology and communication standards have enabled usage of contactless and NFC based payment models.

The mobile wallet based payment model is gaining considerable momentum and is currently being seen as one of the key payment model, to promote contactless payment processing practices.

The mobile wallet technology enables the end-users to make payments with their mobile wallet accounts, without having to use credit or debit cards and hence this technology can also help users that do not use credit or debit cards.