Near Field Communication

Near Field Communication

and how its shaping the world we live in

Joseph P. Cirrilla

Professor Dardan

December 5, 2007

In today's world, technology is advancing at a blistering pace, helping to make our lives easier in every aspect imaginable. We as a society for the most part have embraced each new technology with open arms and little regard to security and reliability. However, in past few years many concerns over these aforementioned issues have become an integral part in enhancing and progressing technology and winning over the public's trust. The answer is Near Field Communications, an up and coming technology that has proven to be as reliable and secure as it is innovative.

As a society we have placed our trust into technologies that handle our health care, credit lines, financials, enhancement of education and many more. These technologies have added a level of ease into our lives that usually goes unnoticed and often taken for granted. Near Field Communications, NFC (to be used throughout the rest of this discussion), aims to transform today's technologies in the form of a wireless networking resource. Examples of its potential and present use in society include but are not limited to; accessing public transportation and facilities, retail transactions, transferring personal data (contact information etc.), accepting information and much more. It is the goal of NFC technology to be adopted throughout the business and social community and become the standard for wireless networking in the near future.

The first question that comes to mind is, "What exactly is NFC and how does it work?" As described briefly above, NFC is a wireless networking resource which when paired with existing contactless devices and other interconnected devices, has the ability to transfer data effortlessly without wires or any physical hookups. "NFC runs at 13.56 MHz and transfers data at speeds up to 424 Kbits/second as of the present. This technology like some of its competitors is a two way system where it is able to read and write information to another device, in other words it is capable of giving and receiving." (Card Technology Today) One of the distinctions of this system as compared to others is that both devices need to be within four centimeters of each other to create a connection. The most common way to ensure a connection is made is by simply lightly tapping both devices against each other. NFC is also compatible with other competitive technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The predominant competition to NFC is Bluetooth technology that is predominant throughout the cell phone industry. Nearly every cell phone manufacture is equipped with Bluetooth functionality which can be paired with devices ranging from PDA's to computers, GPS devices and car entertainment systems such as the Ford Sync. However, one of the negative aspects of Bluetooth is the menus needed to cycle through to pair each device, which especially with driving can be an annoyance and a safety issue. NFC aims to improve upon this issue by requiring only a quick swipe or tap to achieve the same results of transferring information.

An additional advantage of NFC over its main competitor Bluetooth is that NFC requires a shorter set-up time. "With NFC, all the users need to manually configure is the permission of accepting other NFC connections, specifically which NFC connections available." (David) With Bluetooth however, users have to go through menus to first power on the Bluetooth capabilities then cycle through which device they want to sync with. After making a connection and transferring through the specified data, the user then has to go through 'x' number of menus to manually disconnect from the other device's Bluetooth connection.

While some critics of NFC may argue that the data speed of the technology is slower then Bluetooth, the shorter range of NFC provides an added degree of security which in crowded public areas provides a distinct competitive advantage. NFC users are also able to decide how many or which specific devices it connects to so the threat of hackers is minimized. "Also in contrast to Bluetooth, NFC users are compatible with RFID systems and are easily integrated into a multi-platform wireless system." (Mumford) As documented previously, NFC provides a more reliable, more secure system then Bluetooth as well as simpler way to deliver the same if not better service to customers alike.

The next important discussion is the implementation and spread of NFC in correlation to international standards and cooperation. It is then important to know that NFC is supported by leading mobile devices, infrastructure and technology manufacturers and finally by all payment providers. "With regard to payment providers, NFC is compliant to ISO, ECMA and ETSI standards which allow it to operate within the standard for smartcard operability." (David) Hence, it is allows for NFC technology to be compatible with millions of smartcards already in use worldwide. To summarize, NFC has created a standard for itself for which to operate and also is at a standard which is compatible with existing technologies (Bluetooth) and current smartcards to provide a seamless transition.

"Some of the major players that are currently promoting the introduction and adoption of NFC as a standard wireless resource is Phillips, Sony, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and credit card firms." (Evans-Pughe) Originally the use of magnetic fields was a technique established by RFID chips which were based on a single reader that generated a low-frequency magnetic field that was capable of sending back multiple responses when connected. With the emergence of NFC, "both devices generate their own magnetic near field to carry the data. In the passive mode, one device generates the field while the other device uses load modulation to transfer the data." (Evans-Pughe)

In addition to NFC Bluetooth phones, other devices that can be used in conjunction include 'smart' posters which have their own NFC tags embedded within the paper. In this case, a user would be able to swipe or tap their phone (NFC ready) against the designated NFC tag point and automatically download content relative to the poster whether it advertised a concert, an open house or a missing child report. In the circumstance of a concert for example, once making contact with the embedded chip,