In the descriptions of flagship mobile devices, the built-in NFC module is increasingly mentioned. What tasks are solved with its help and is it necessary for everyone? What is NFC in a smartphone, what are the features of this technology, and what advantages does it give users – you will learn about this in the article.
What Is the Essence of NFC Technology?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a technology for wireless data transmission over a short distance: the communication radius does not exceed 10 cm. Information from objects is read via a radio signal.
The main advantages of NFC technology:
- the fast connection between objects (the process takes a fraction of a second);
- the small size of the device;
- low energy consumption.
Thanks to these features, NFC sensors can be integrated into small gadgets. It should be noted that the speed of information transfer through this communication protocol is quite low, and the amount of data is small. Despite this, the NFC function in a smartphone is a convenient and multifunctional thing. If you master the simple technology and install the right applications like ZodiacCasino, an NFC-enabled smartphone will simplify many everyday processes, from transferring files to paying for purchases.
Scanning and Programming Labels
This common way of using the module allows you to automate various household activities and thus save time when performing them. Labels are information zones with NFC chips that can be programmed. They are integrated into payment terminals, metro turnstiles, and smart cards, as well as into special accessories – key rings, bracelets, etc. The principle of operation is simple: you bring a smartphone with an NFC module to the tag, and the device executes the desired command (the one for which the tag is programmed).
This feature is handy at home. Using NFC tags, you can automatically give any commands to your smartphone, for example:
- send a message;
- switch to silent mode;
- turn on the alarm;
- find WiFi;
- enable GPS;
- launch an audio player, etc.
Thanks to this technology, you do not have to study the smartphone menu every time to find a particular function in it.
Smartphone Instead of a Card
Phones that support the NFC function can be used as bank cards or smart cards. The mobile device is always at hand, which cannot be said about the wallet. A smartphone with NFC can become an alternative to:
- virtual wallet (payment for goods and services);
- a pass to a club, swimming pool or other closed institution;
- electronic key;
- bonus card.
NFC Adapter vs Bluetooth
The question may arise: why equip smartphones with another short-range wireless standard if Bluetooth is already implemented in all devices? The answer is simple: while the principle is similar, these technologies have different properties, respectively, and their areas of application are different.
The main differences between the two modules are as follows:
- Connection speed. The Bluetooth connection may take several minutes. In the case of NFC, the process takes a fraction of a second.
- The radius of action. In the latest versions of Bluetooth, it reaches 100 m, while NFC receives at a distance of no more than 10 cm. Considering the scope of the NFC module, it becomes obvious that a small receiving radius provides higher protection when sending information.
- Data exchange volume. NFC is much lower than Bluetooth. Therefore, this technology is not suitable for exchanging large files.
The NFC module is present in many modern smartphones, but not everyone has an idea of why it is needed and how to use it. Meanwhile, this function is very convenient, and above all for contactless payment for purchases.
