Near field communication (NFC) is a revolutionary concept in the field of technology. In short, near field communication allows two devices to share data when they are in close proximity. In recent years, this concept has enhanced the use of technology in our daily lives.
This technology has made tasks such as transferring money and connecting to other devices easy and seamless. It now takes no time at all to share data from your device to a nearby one thanks to near field communication.
You might think this is similar to Bluetooth connectivity. However, there are some significant differences between the two technologies. Keep reading to find out more about near field communication. Let’s dive in!
How Does NFC Work?
Near field communication relies on a relatively simple mechanism. It essentially allows two nearby devices to exchange information seamlessly. With the help of this technology, you can transfer data with a simple touch.
For example, with NFC technology you can place your phone less than 5 centimeters away from your neighboring device and transmit the data you want. This near field communication is only possible because almost all devices now come equipped with an NFC chip.
A few years ago, you’d only find an NFC chip in devices like the Nokia Lumia smartphone. However, you’ll now see it in almost all new phones on the market today. From Android phones like Samsung to Apple iOS devices, this technology is everywhere.
Near field communication has gained popularity because of how easy it is to use. People widely use this technology to make mobile payments in stores or markets. This non-contact payment technology was already popular before 2020, and its use has dramatically risen since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that with the widespread use of NFC chips, our mobile phones may even replace our wallets!
You can compare NFC to Bluetooth in that the transfer of data is established over wireless signals. NFC chips use radio waves to send the information and all devices that allow NFC need to follow a few basic principles. These principles are based on RFID or Radio-frequency identification technology, where your data is transmitted to other devices through electromagnetic induction. In this way, NFC is like any other wireless transmission, but with more efficient operation.
Near field communication can work in two ways:
1. Two-Way Communication
In two-way communication, you use two devices that possess the NFC chip. This type of communication is usually seen between two mobile phones and allows the two devices to transmit links, data, images, and more very quickly. All you have to do is place the two devices close together, and your data will be transferred.
This is possible because the NFC chips in the two devices successfully read and recognize each other. After this, they approve the transfer and transmit the information over radio waves.
2. One-Way Communication
This type of communication occurs between a phone and another powered device like a credit card reader. This device reads the NFC chip and interacts with it to make the transfer possible and is commonly used to make financial transactions.
So, when you tap your phone on a credit card reader, it recognizes your NFC chip. Once recognized, it deducts the money from your registered bank account.
Why NFC Is the Future
This technology may seem like a glorified Bluetooth or Wi-Fi service. However, there is one significant difference between near field communication and other similar technologies. Bluetooth connectivity was a life-changing discovery, but has since been superseded.
It is a tedious and lengthy task to transfer files from one device to another using Bluetooth. On the other hand, NFC is quick and exceptionally easy to use. It also uses very little power, giving it another advantage over Bluetooth. In this day and age, efficiency is everything, and with NFC, you will save not only time but also a ton of power.
That being said, you do not need to ditch the idea of Bluetooth altogether. NFC can work alongside Bluetooth devices, providing the benefits of both technologies. Using NFC and Bluetooth together, you can connect to devices like music speakers with the help of a simple tap. Your NFC chip will read the device and instantly connect to it, making this a revolutionary piece of technology!
Final Thoughts
Technology is developing at break-neck speed, and the rate of change is continually accelerating. If you want to move forward and keep up with these changing times, you need to incorporate technology like NFC in your daily life. The use of wallets and cash will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to technology like near field communication.
NFC is a safe and secure technology that can help us achieve this versatility in our lives. You can use it for data transfer, money transactions, and countless other functions, and never worry about theft again!