NFC Basics

What is NFC 

Near field communication is a set of protocols that helps devices to communicate with each other by establishing a connection either by touching the devices or bringing them close to each other (typically 4 cm). Its a set of short-range wireless technologies requiring less distance to initiate a connection. 

NFC tags: There are variety range of NFC tags available in the market

types ranging from coins, cards, wearble, stickers, business cards etc., You can also write to tags. 

What can you store in NFC tag: 

Depends on the type of the tag and its memory, for example a small NFC tag can store just the url whereas a business card can store more information about the user. 

NFC Readers: There are lot of NFC tag readers, you can also write applications using Android / IOS api to read NFC information. 

Why NFC

• Quick handshake time. 
• potential for signal interference or hackers trying to steal your data is reduced. 
• NFC consumes less battery power 

Applications of NFC: 

• Payment for products through mobile phones
• NFC based wearables can become a cashless payment system. 
• Access control
• Queue management - who registered first. 
• Launch an app: open maps and launch direction to home when you tap your mobile on a nfc tag in the car
• Perform an action: For example set an alarm whenever you tap on a sticker
• Share business cards information
• using Mobile phone for boarding passes. 
• NFC enabled parking meters

Difference between NFC and bluetooth: 

• NFC is designed for less data transfer - less than 400 kb whereas you can transfer more data using bluetooth
•  quick handshake - typically takes 0.1 second, whereas bluetooth takes more time to establish the connection. 

Questions to ask before choosing NFC as a solution: 

• Is your application requires close contact with the devices less than 10 cm. 
• Is it a one way communication. 
• Is the action performed important since it requires the user to hold or tap the device within 10 cm. If not choose other technology such as RFID or bluetooth. 

You can also use NFC to initiate a connection and then use other technology to transfer more data.