Different modes of communication between NFC devices

Another thing to note is that NFC devices generally communicate in three modes: peer-to-peer, read-write, and simulator mode.

Peer-to-Peer Mode

In the case of the most common NFC device and created for the exchange of information such as audiences, images and music files, communication takes place between two electronic devices (eg two phones) (such as the one above). In peer-to-peer mode, the active device sends the information and receives the passive device.

Reader / writer mode

In read and write mode, communication is established between NFC-enabled devices (such as handsets or NFC reader devices) and NFC tags. These tags can be installed on various objects or places to provide information or facilitate everyday affairs (we will discuss this in more detail later).

Card Emulation Mode

In this case, the NFC connection is established between the NFC card reader and the NFC device. NFC readers are designed for the exchange of radio information used in near field communication or the NFC card and handset, and most of them are non-contact devices.

How it works

NFC technology uses an electromagnetic induction method to transmit information. The technology uses electromagnetic fields to transmit data or induce electromagnetic waves in the receiving device. In addition, passive devices also receive power from the electromagnetic waves generated by the active device, albeit transmitted over a short distance.

Overall comparison between NFC and Bluetooth and WiFi

Let us first note that the main use of NFC is not the transfer and sharing of multimedia files, and is mostly used for the secure transfer of sensitive data when performing tasks such as payment activities, and it is not reasonable to compare it with Bluetooth and WiFi; however, in this section We briefly compare the three common wireless communication tools.

Speed

NFC is definitely not comparable in speed to Bluetooth and WiFi. NFC speeds up to 2Kbps and Bluetooth speeds to 2Mbps and applications using WiFi to transfer files reach up to 5Mbps (though these numbers are only on paper and when using Bluetooth and apps). The aforementioned factors reduce the speed to a significant degree); however, these applications use different protocols for file transfer, which is beyond the scope of this article.

Transmission range

The NFC can’t stand up to its competitors at all; the NFC can only transfer files within 1 centimeter, while Bluetooth is capable of transferring files up to 2 meters, using Wi-Fi up to 2 meters indoors. And reaches 2 meters in the open.

Security

Unlike the previous two, NFC is the overwhelming winner of the competition, as it is an encrypted protocol that makes it more superior to Bluetooth by identifying the password and other security features of the communication device. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are also vulnerable to hacking (but WiFi security can be enhanced with various security and encryption methods not discussed in this article), but NFC can only be hacked if the hacker is close to you.

Ease of use

To use NFC you just need to turn it on and hold two handsets to transfer files, but to use Bluetooth for pairing on both handsets, you need to enter a PIN in two handsets and one. Follow another set of instructions. Using WiFi requires connecting to a WiFi network and using a router; of course, to use NFC for file transfer, both devices must be in line, but Bluetooth and WiFi can transmit the waves in all directions.

the amount of energy consumption

NFC is also in the first place because of its very low power consumption and, as we said,

powering through the magnetic field created between the two devices, Bluetooth (Bluetooth Low Enery, of course, less power than Classic). Bluetooth and WiFi are in second and third place, respectively.

NFC applications

As we said, NFC technology is not just a wireless communication method for transmitting information,

and its main purpose was not to design and create it.

NFC devices and labels can be used in a wide variety of contexts, which we will discuss below,

but they are usually more focused in two areas:

the cost of using public transport and mobile payments. We first explain these two NFC capabilities and then other applications.

Paying for the use of public transport

NFC-enabled handsets can be used as a transport electronic card (for subway and bus use). If your phone is NFC-enabled, you no longer need to use e-cards and only need to put the phone in front of the NFC reader.

 Nowadays,

most subway e-cards have NFC tags and you can use them as NFC tags for a considerable price when they expire .

Contactless mobile payments

NFC-enabled phones can also make mobile payments easier (you need to run the related financial apps first,

and after entering the password, place the phone near the POS device;

this way, you no longer need to use a bank card and password You don’t have it). With this technology,

the chance of fraudsters copying the card with magnetic card duplicators or being inform of the card’s password is zero.

In addition, you can take advantage of NFC, ease of Apple Pay (Apple pay) and Samsung IP (Sumsung Pay) and followed by Android (Android Pay) enjoy.

To use these payment methods,

simply close the back of the phone to the NFC card reader after activating the NFC and launching the app .

Transfer money to other people

PayPal has been able to transfer money to other people for several years using its Android app and NFC technology, though both people must have a PayPal account and an NFC-enabled Android phone and use the PayPal Android app to do so. .

Instant transfer of information

Momentary transfer of essential information to people in many places is important and even necessary; NFC tags can alert people instantly; for example, by installing these tags on public transport stations, travelers can be change from definite or potential delays. Announces special discounts or other timesheets.