NFC: What is it and How Can You Use It?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a technology that allows devices to communicate with each other when they are in close proximity. This can be used for a variety of purposes, such as making payments. In this blog post, we will discuss what NFC is and how you can use it!

What is NFC?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless connectivity standard that enables contactless payments, keyless entry, and more between 2 electronic devices over a distance of about 4cm. It is quite popular and useful in life today. 

How does it work?

NFC was created as a result of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. RFID is the technology used in security scan cards that allow you to enter the workplace every day or go through that tollbooth on your way to work. 
It works by using electromagnetic induction to create a magnetic field which can then be used to transfer data between devices. So when two NFC-enabled gadgets are brought close together, they may exchange data or perform tasks.

What can you use it for?

There are many different ways that you can use NFC technology. Some of the most popular ways to use NFC are:

Payment

One of the most popular uses for NFC is making payments with your smartphone. If you have an NFC-enabled credit or debit card, you can tap it against an NFC-enabled terminal to make a payment. This is a quick and easy way to pay for goods and services without having to fumble around with cash or cards. You can also use your smartphone to make contactless payments by using NFC-enabled apps such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Exchanging information

Another common use for NFC is exchanging information between devices. For example, you can use NFC to pair your smartphone with a wireless speaker or to share contact information with another NFC-enabled device.

Connect to devices

NFC can also be used to connect your device to other NFC-enabled devices such as wireless microphones or printers. To do this, you simply need to bring the two devices close together and tap them against each other.

NFC Tags

NFC tags are small stickers that contain an NFC chip. These tags can be programmed with information such as website URLs, contact information, or instructions. When you tap your NFC-enabled device against an NFC tag, the tag will communicate its stored information to your device. This is a quick and easy way to exchange information between devices without the need for a physical connection.

Analog access cards

Analog access cards are physical cards that contain an NFC chip. These cards can be used to unlock doors and enter buildings. Analog access cards typically have a much longer range than other NFC tags and can be read by NFC-enabled devices from up to 10cm away.

Analog transport cards

Analog transport cards are physical cards that contain an NFC chip. These cards can be used to pay for public transportation, such as buses, trains or subways. You only need to put your mobile phone in the area where you usually swipe your card, and then you can pass the gate. Meanwhile, you can top up your bus or metro pass directly from the app, always making sure you have funds on your card. This function is more convenient for commuters.

Conclusion

So here you know what is NFC and its popular applications in life. NFC is a flexible tool that may be utilized for a much broader range of applications in the coming years. If you have an NFC-enabled device, don't hesitate to test out all the different ways you can utilize it! Thanks for reading!