[Term of the Day]: NFC
Term of the Day
“Near Field Communication”
Definition — What is NFC?
Near field communication or (NFC) technology has become so common that most of us do not even realize when they are being used. NFC provides short-range wireless connectivity technology that carries secure two-way interactions between electronic devices such as smartphones. The technology can provide contactless communication up to distances of about 4 or 5 centimeters range. You can transfer information between devices quickly and easily with a single touch, like other technologies (Bluetooth) NFC does not require step by step procedures. It is easier to set up NFC than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
NFC relies on radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate between devices through radio waves. This is the same basic technology that allows you to make electronic payments, connecting phones to your car, and much more. NFC uses an RFID frequency of 13.56 MHz to communicate, essentially setting a standard that has been adopted across many industries and devices.
Some real-life examples of NFC
- Pictures taken with a cell phone with a built-in camera can be easily transmitted to a Computer or TV enabled with NFC just by making a touch between devices.
- In health care, NFC tags provide medical professionals with information about, patient's treatments. It can also track when nurses and doctors have checked in with the particular patient, progress in treatment, and much more.
- You can program NFC to switch your phone to flight mode or silent for, say, eight hours so you aren’t interrupted through the night.
NFC can revolutionize the way that we communicate and experience the world. Many complicating and unsafe operations can be done swiftly with ease.