What Is NFC Technology And What is NFC used for?

What is NFC?

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology that allows for the exchange of data between devices. It operates in the 13.56 MHz frequency range and has a range of about 4 inches (10 cm).

NFC technology is used in a variety of applications, including contactless payments, access control, and data transfer. For example, you can use NFC to make a payment at a store by simply tapping your phone against a payment terminal, or to transfer data between two phones by placing them back to back.

NFC technology is built into many modern smartphones and is also available in the form of NFC tags, which are small chips that can be embedded in stickers, wristbands, or other items. These tags can store small amounts of data, such as a URL or a piece of information, and can be read by an NFC-enabled device when it is brought close to the tag.

It is an abbreviation for Near-Field Communications, which is a wireless communication method that is increasingly used today in smartphones and some service devices, by hovering the mobile phone over a specific device to transfer data very quickly.

What is NFC used for?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that allows for the exchange of data between devices. It is used in a variety of applications, including:

1. Contactless payments: NFC technology is used in many contactless payment systems, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. It allows users to make payments by simply tapping their phone against a payment terminal.
2. Access control: NFC technology can be used to control access to buildings, offices, or other secure areas. It can be used to unlock doors or gates, or to activate elevators or other access systems.
3. Data transfer: NFC technology can be used to transfer data between devices, such as photos, videos, or other files. This can be done by placing the devices back to back or by touching them together.
4. Smart advertising: NFC tags can be placed in advertisements or marketing materials, and when an NFC-enabled device is brought close to the tag, it can trigger the display of additional information or a call to action.
5. Public transportation: NFC technology is used in many public transportation systems, such as buses and trains, to allow users to tap their phone or NFC card to pay for fares or access services.

The technology works inside a circle with a radius of about 4 cm, and provides wireless communication with another device. This connection enables the transmission and reception of data between the two devices. It is a Wi-Fi, 3G or LTE network and is an inexpensive connection.

How does NFC work?

Many mobile users are unaware that they are constantly taking advantage of the NFC service in phones. Did you know that the three curved lines on your credit or debit card allow you to make contactless payments everywhere? Well, this is NFC.

Where is NFC used?

Where the technology depends in its method of operation on a concept denoted by RFID which means the technology of identification through radio rays. 

This technology must be available in a dedicated device to receive and send data quickly, as this device comes into contact with another mobile phone that supports the technology to start transferring data quickly.

How is NFC technology used for online payments?

As we mentioned before, the use of this technology has become very popular in many areas, and most smart phones are equipped with technology. 

It is considered the most common use of this technology in electronic payment operations, as well as using it in logging cards for some places by touching the device or phone to devices installed on the gates in some places that support the technology.

The most prominent applications on the NFC service

NFC uses

NFC used for Online payment
Or as it is known as the “electronic wallet”, and it is one of the most common examples of the application of technology, and it is widely used in the services of Google, Elite and Apple Pay.

The service can be used with payment applications that link your phone with your computer at the bank, and use it to pay in stores that use dedicated NFC reading devices.

NFC used for Data transfer

Similar to Bluetooth technology, data can be quickly sent and received between two service providers by touching each other, and the transfer will take place at a very fast speed that exceeds the speed of Bluetooth.

NFC used for Video games

Many video games have released NFC-powered games, such as “Disney Infinity” game, in which you can change the character and buy an independent character by passing it on the character through the NFC receiver.

NFC used for Transportation

The technology can be used as your fingerprint to lock your car or act as your car key that only you own. Also, many modern car applications give you the ability to control your cars, such as opening doors or playing music via NFC technology. This technology can also be used to log in for public transportation in modern countries.

NFC used for at home

Modern home-installed devices have been developed. Research that identifies your mobile phone to enable specific services, such as silent switching, alarm setting, music playback and other things of your own.