Near Field Communication Often called Near Field Connection According to Wikipedia is a set of computer protocol that enables two electronic devices, one of which is usually, but not always a portable device like a smartphone, to be able to communicate with another NFC enabled device just by bringing them within 4cm, about 1.6inch of each other. Simply put, Near Field Communication makes it possible for two NFC enabled device to communicate within a very short distance. Near Field Communication works on the same principle of sending and receiving data over radio waves just like every other wireless signals like bluetooth, WiFi and the Rest.

Unlike Bluetooth/WiFi, NFC is based on an older RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) which makes use of electromagnetic induction in order to transmit information from one NFC enabled device to another. The same principle is what is used for QI wireless charging – Using electromagnetic induction to transmit power – instead of transmitting information as in the case of NFC. This brings some advantages as well as disadvantages to the Near Field Communication technology. For one, NFC uses much less power compared to other Wireless Signals/Connection and doesn’t really need a major power source to function. It also takes about one tenth of a second to create a connection between two NFC enabled Devices which is why it is the perfect choice for Mobile payment. However, NFC also has its fair share of disadvantages. One of which is the fact that it has a very small range of about 10cm and has a maximum transfer speed of about 424kbit/s. This means that you won’t be able to use it in long range like bluetooth or WiFi. You can’t also send large amount of data/information given the somewhat slow speed.

What Can I Do With NFC?

Basically, there are only two well known two things you can do with NFC which are Mobile Payments and File Transfer. However, the former seems to be the only things keeping the technology alive. Mobile Payments such AndroidPay, ApplePay and the rest are the future as everything has and seems to be going digital. This are all made possible thanks NFC’s fast Connection and low power consumption. Because NFC has the fastest Connection speed and cosumes less power of all of the wireless signals, it has made it the perfect choice for mobile payments. I mean, who wants to stand around for long just to make a payment ? With NFC, you’re done in a blink of an eye, Literally.

NFC is also the brain behind the S beam feature on Samsung devices which was introduced sometime in 2011. With S Beams based on NFC, you could transfer small amount of files just by bring the two device close to each other. This didn’t go so well as there were other faster alternatives. Nevertheless, NFC is still capable of being used for file sharing. NFC is also the tech behind contactless cards/payment. Basically, anything that has to be with Speed, Close range and sending just small amount of data which is why it is mostly used in anything that has to do with payments – where it’s strong suits are needed.

Problems Associated With NFC?

Every technology has a bad side and this does too. There have been concerns on if someone can get close to your NFC enabled device with an NFC reader to read off the conents of your NFC enabled device. This is actually a possiblity but i doubt one wouldn’t notice an NFC reader getting within 10cm of lets say your Smartphone, Smartwatch or Debit card. Apps have also been created to get into people’s phone to steal people’s payment details. However, Apple and Google have been doing that best to keep such apps away from their respective stores. Notwithstanding, you should be careful of the apps you Install on your Smartphone if you use any mobile payments. More importantly, be careful of where you download apps from.

My advice ? Don’t put all you cards on your mobile payment app because the more card you put, the more valuable your Smartphone becomes. One card is okay, preferably the one with the lower amount in it.

Are Smartphones With NFC A Must Have?

It all boils down to personal choice. Some people don’t really make use of NFC on their Smartphone but just like the fact that they have the option. Some others just can’t use a smartphone without NFC capabilities. Whichever side you belong to, on thing is certain. You’re only going to be using it for just Mobile payments as there isn’t that much use for the Technology, at least for now. So is it worth throwing in some extra bucks to get that NFC enabled device or can you do without it ? I’ll leave you to decide.

Conclusion

Near Field Communication is a really nice tech and other than one touch/contactless payments, I don’t really really see any other use foro it, at least for now. If you you have any other questions about Near Field Communication that wasn’t talked about in this article, you can drop them In the comment section down below and I’ll see to it.