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Near Field Communication
Last modified: Thursday, July 20, 2006
Abbreviated as NFC, Near Field Communication is a
standards-based, short-range wireless connectivity
technology that enables convenient short-range communication between electronic
devices. The underlying layers of NFC technology are ISO,
ECMA, and ETSI standards. NFC
applications can be split into the following four basic categories:
Touch and Go: Applications such as access control or
transport/event ticketing, where the user needs only to bring the device
storing the ticket or access code close to the reader. Also, for simple data
capture applications, such as picking up an Internet URL from a smart label
on a poster.
Touch and Confirm: Applications such as mobile payment where the
user has to confirm the interaction by entering a password or just accepting
the transaction.
Touch and Connect: Linking two NFC-enabled devices to enable peer
to peer transfer of data such as downloading music, exchanging images or
synchronizing address books.
Touch and Explore: NFC devices may offer more than one possible
function. The consumer will be able to explore a device's capabilities to
find out which functionalities and services are offered. [Application information courtesy of
Philips]
NFC Forum A non-profit industry association formed to advance the use of NFC short-range wireless interaction in consumer electronics, mobile devices and PCs.
Philips: Near Field Communication Evolving from a combination of contactless identification and networking technologies, Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless connectivity technology that enables convenient short-range communication between electronic devices.
