What is an NFC chip and how to use it?

NFC (Near Field Communication, which can be translated as "near space communication") is a wireless technology for transmitting data in a small radius of action. Thanks to it, devices located at a distance of less than 20 cm can interact with each other. The transmission rate is about 424 kbit/s at an operating frequency of 15 MHz. There are already many smartphones and tablet computers with similar chips on the modern market.

Advertising on citylight offers using NFC tags download to your smartphone and listen to a new track

The short range of action is one of the most important features of the technology. Due to this, it is more difficult for an attacker to intercept information at a distance, as in the case of Bluetooth. Another important advantage is the ability to quickly establish communication. While smartphones with Bluetooth require about 6-7 seconds to connect devices one to one, models with NFC can do it in some 0.1 seconds.

It is noteworthy that it is enough for only one of the NFC devices to have a power source. As is the case with the same subway fare cards that do not have their own batteries, but work perfectly using the terminal's energy. At the same time, the NFC chip is tiny in size, it can be embedded almost anywhere. Power consumption is incredibly low, which is important because the duration of operation of modern devices from a single battery charge has already turned into a real headache.

It is also important that the NFC standard provides high compatibility. For example, a smartphone with an NFC chip can also be used as a reader of passive RFID tags, which are now actively used in logistics, advertising, trade and other areas.

How can I use an NFC chip?

Sometimes you can hear that the main purpose of the NFC module in a smartphone is to turn the device into an electronic wallet. That is, the user in the store simply touches a special reader (payment terminal) and pays for purchases. This saves time and increases the security of the payment (however, we will discuss security issues below, everything is a little more complicated than it seems at first glance). But in fact, everything is not limited to financial issues, NFC technology can be very useful in various fields.

There are three main modes of using NFC:

• reading mode;
• information transfer mode;
• bank card emulation mode.

Yale digital locks a real user can open simply by "touching" them with your phone

For example, when you go into a cafe, you touch the NFC tag with your smartphone (built into a table or even a menu), after which the device gets access to a Wi-Fi network. You no longer need to manually enter the network password. In this example, the reading mode is used.

Of course, a regular QR code can also be used for this. That's just NFC is incomparably more convenient. Firstly, an NFC tag can carry more useful information. And secondly, it can be considered even in poor lighting, when the smartphone camera will be acutely lacking light, or even in complete darkness. Yes, and poke ("flick") it's easier to get to the right place with a smartphone than to take pictures with it.

NFC can also be used to transfer information from device to device, for example from a tablet computer or laptop to a portable speaker. That's just because of the low speed, the process of transferring large files will require some time and patience. But, for example, businessmen can quickly exchange contact information by touching smartphones.

The Beats Pill portable speaker is equipped with an NFC chip that facilitates wireless connection to signal sources

Also, using the information transfer mode, you can initiate the connection process, that is, use the NFC chip to configure other wireless connections. For example, users touch smartphones, as a result of which communication is automatically established via the Bluetooth interface, through which files are transferred.

If desired, NFC can be embedded anywhere. Modern engineers and developers strive to offer users more and more unexpected solutions. For example, monuments with NFC tags are gradually gaining popularity in London. You just approach the pedestal, bring your smartphone to the desired label, after which an incoming call is heard, by which you will be told about the history of the statue itself or about the person it depicts.

The cost of one NFC tag is very small, which means that in the near future they will be used in huge quantities. At the same time, labels can be made in different shapes, sizes and colours. It can be a simple paper or plastic sticker, white or with a logo printed on it, it is not difficult to make it glow in the dark.

NFC technology today

NFC are widely used in modern televisions for quick connection setup with smartphones or tablets

Increasingly embedding NFC, electronics manufacturers often simply forget to tell users what this technology gives. Not to mention the fact that sufficient ease of use is not provided, not everyone can understand how to use the NFC chip built into a smartphone from the first time.

Smart TVs with NFC are gaining more and more popularity, for example, a model from this category. The technology greatly simplifies the connection of a mobile device. Do you want to view new photos from your smartphone on the big screen? Just tap the TV remote control with your mobile device and an automatic connection via Wi—Fi Direct protocol will immediately occur. Tap again and the connection will be broken.

NFC modules are equipped with modern pocket printers, which the user can really print on with just a touch of a finger. They have a telephone headset, smartwatches and bracelets, to connect which all you need is just to bring the device to the phone.

Security issues and Apple Pay service

At the heart of Apple's payment system is an NFC chip and a scanner fingerprint — both implemented in iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Let's get back to security issues. While NFC is increasingly being used for reading and exchanging information, the introduction of this technology for mobile payments is not happening as fast as developers would like.

The problem is that the technology itself does not have its own security mechanisms, their creation falls entirely on the shoulders of developers and manufacturers of electronic devices. And if your smartphone is not password protected, then, having gained access to it, an attacker can make any purchases, because using NFC does not require entering a PIN code when paying. This is what slows down the mass use of smartphones with NFC as a replacement for credit cards.

And in comparison to this, Apple's solution looks elegant. The latest iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones are equipped with an NFC chip and a fingerprint scanner built right into the Home button. We are talking about Touch ID, which combines security and usability.

Since September 9th, 2014, the Touch ID fingerprint scanner has become an important component of the new Apple Pay payment system. The principle is the same — to pay for a purchase, simply bring the upper part of the smartphone to the terminal. Payment will occur only after the device counts your fingerprint. It is important that neither Apple itself nor the seller gets access to your credit card. When paying, a one-time payment number and a dynamically generated security password are used.

Apple Pay service support is also announced for smartwatches Apple Watch, which also got an NFC chip

Apple Pay already works with Amex, MasterCard and Visa. It is supported by six major US banks, it is possible to pay for goods in this way with almost all retailers in the country.In 2015, Apple Pay support is expected to spread in Europe and Asia. The payment system has a great future due to its high security and maximum ease of use. So, to enter the credit card details, it is enough just to take a picture of it. And with the payment itself, everything is very simple. Moreover, Apple Pay allows you to make online payments.

By the way, Apple has not included NFC in its smartphones for a long time. There were even rumors that the company would eventually develop its own standard. But it never happened. However, NFC installed in iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus can only be used for Apple Pay. Support for this technology has also been announced for the Apple Watch smartwatch, which is expected to appear on the market in the near future.