Built-in nfc. What is NFC and how to use it? Several programs for creating marks

NFC has become quite common thanks to the rise of online payment systems such as Samsung Pay and Android Pay. Especially if this applies even to middle-class phones. You've probably heard this term before, but what is NFC in a smartphone? In this article, I will briefly outline what it is, how it works, and what it can be used for.

NFC stands for “Near Field Communication”, which translates as “near contactless communication”. As the name suggests, it provides short communication between devices. This requires at least one transmitting device and one to receive the signal. Devices using the NFC standard are divided into passive and active.

Passive NFC devices are small transmitters that can send messages to other NFC devices without the need for a power source. However, they cannot process any information sent from other sources and cannot connect to other passive components. These are usually interactive signs on walls or advertisements.

Active NFC devices can send and receive data and can communicate with each other as well as with the passive device. Smartphones are the most common form of active NFC device today. An example of technology is card readers for public transport and payment terminals.

Now that we know what it is, let's find out how NFC works on a phone.
Very simple, just like Bluetooth and WiFi and other wireless signals. NFC works on the principle of sending information over radio waves. Near Field Communication- another standard for wireless data transmission. This means that devices must adhere to certain specifications in order to communicate with each other correctly. The technology used in NFC is based on the idea of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which uses electromagnetic induction to transmit information.

Of course there is one significant difference between NFC and Bluetooth/WiFi. The former can be used to induce electrical currents within passive components, as well as for data transmission. Instead, they can be powered by the electromagnetic field generated by the NFC active component when it comes into range. Unfortunately, NFC technology lacks sufficient inductance to charge a smartphone, but QI charging has the same principle.

On the other hand, read or write mode is a one-way data transfer. An active device, such as your smartphone, connects to another device to read information from it.

The last mode of operation is card emulation. NFC devices here are smart or contactless credit cards; you can use them to pay for travel on public transport or pay for purchases in stores.

Compare with Bluetooth

Although I answered the question “What is NFC?” Let's compare it with other wireless technologies? Some may think that NFC is not needed since there is Bluetooth. However, there are several important technological differences between the two, and NFC has significant advantages. The main argument in favor of NFC is that it consumes much less power than Bluetooth. This makes NFC ideal for passive devices, such as the advertising tags I wrote about above, since they can operate without a main power source.

However, low power consumption has one serious drawback. In particular, the transmission range is much shorter than Bluetooth. NFC has a range of about 10 cm, and Bluetooth can transmit data up to 10 meters or more. Another disadvantage is that NFC is slower than Bluetooth. It transfers data at a maximum speed of 424 kbps, compared to 2.1 Mbps for Bluetooth 2.1 or about 1 Mbps for Bluetooth Low Energy.

But NFC has the most important advantage: faster connections. Thanks to inductive coupling and the absence of manual pairing, less than one tenth of a second passes before the exchange of information begins. Although modern Bluetooth also connects quite quickly, NFC is still very convenient in certain situations, such as mobile payments.

Samsung Pay, Android Pay, and even Apple Pay use NFC technology, although Samsung Pay works a little differently than the others. Bluetooth is very convenient for transferring files, connecting headphones and other gadgets. My guess is that NFC will always be relevant thanks to mobile payments.

Conclusion

Now, I have answered the question “What is NFC?”, but if you do not understand something or have other questions about this wireless technology. Ask them in the comments below.

Read about how to enable NFC.

You've probably already heard about such a feature as NFC on your phone. It is quite common today, many flagship devices (smartphones, watches, etc.) are equipped with it, and is gradually reaching inexpensive devices. Manufacturers and sellers often focus on NFC, attributing the most unusual and useful capabilities. However, not every user knows what NFC is and what its main functions are in a phone and other devices. Today we will try to tell you about this technology in detail and clearly.

NFC on a phone - what is it?

People first started talking about NFC back in 2004. At that time, three giants of the mobile industry Nokia, Philips and Sony set out to create a wireless interface that would work when two devices were close together. A forum was organized and work began.

NFC, Near field communication (“near field communication”) is a wireless data transmission technology, the distinctive feature of which is its short range (up to 10 centimeters).

Essentially, the technology is based on contactless cards made according to the ISO 14443 standard. Such cards are used to differentiate access to different premises or pay for services. NFC became a simple extension of this standard, aimed primarily at mobile phones.

Technology Specifications

To make the concept of NFC technology more clear to you, you cannot do without the technical characteristics of the technology. Don't worry, it's quite simple:

The key standard is ISO/IEC 14443, which describes frequency ranges, modulation methods and data exchange protocols for short-range contactless cards based on magnetic field induction
Induction coils are used to communicate between two NFC devices
NFC operates at 13.56 MHz
Data transfer speed is no more than 400 Kbps
It only takes 0.1 seconds to establish an NFC connection
NFC has a very compact size and low power consumption, which allows the interface to be used in a wide variety of gadgets

Why do you need NFC on a phone or other device?

If many users turn a blind eye to dry specifications (although they should read it), they are unlikely to miss the information about why NFC is needed in modern smartphones.

Firstly, a phone or other device with NFC can replace a contactless card to pay for metro travel, access to premises, or other similar purposes - just touch the device to the turnstile.
Secondly, NFC is used to pair a phone with another phone that also has this interface; the second device today is other devices - even washing machines; pairing makes it possible to transfer data between devices, however, due to the low speed, this method is irrelevant (this speed is enough to transfer any commands from the device to the device).
Finally, thirdly, a phone or watch with NFC can replace cash or a bank card. How? It's very simple: many terminals in stores today support contactless payments, that is, to pay for purchases you just need to tap your smartphone. It’s very convenient, but in our country the technology is just gaining popularity.

Why do we need NFC if there is Bluetooth and other interfaces?

Many users equate NFC and Bluetooth to the same type of interface, which is somewhat incorrect. Yes, we have two wireless technologies, and the second one is more popular. The key difference is the range. If in the case of Bluetooth we have tens of meters, then NFC in phones transmits data over a few centimeters (that is, the devices need to be brought quite close to each other). So is Bluetooth better?

Not really. A large range of action is not always necessary, and in some cases it even becomes a disadvantage of the interface. You remember that NFC on your phone allows you to pay for purchases? In this case, the device practically touches the terminal (the range is small), which guarantees maximum protection of the transmitted data of your bank card. When using interfaces with a more serious radius, which can cover tens of meters around, there is a danger of information interception.

The same can be said about the transfer speed, which in the case of NFC is really low by today's standards. However, the technology is not aimed at transferring large files, as when using Bluetooth. And this has at least two advantages - reliability and lower power consumption. The low data transfer speed will not allow attackers to quickly “extract” important information from your smartphone.

Another obvious advantage of NFC in phones is low power consumption. The technology consumes significantly less energy than other interfaces, saving precious minutes of the smartphone’s life.

Speaking about the advantages of NFC in a phone, one cannot fail to note the low cost of implementing the interface into devices. It's surprising that it is still so rare.

Flaws

Despite the advantages, which at first glance are simply huge, like any technology, NFC has a number of unpleasant disadvantages. The most obvious are the transfer speed and range, which every user will have to put up with. But, as already noted, these features can rather be attributed to the advantages of NFC.

There are also more serious problems associated with technology. The first of these can be considered its wide distribution. What's wrong with that? The fact is that every large company, having noticed the potential of NFC, began to independently modify the interface, introducing proprietary developments in their products. It is clear that the changed standards cannot boast of universality - they only work with their own kind. Users suffer from this.

No matter how hard developers try to improve NFC, holes are constantly being identified that can be exploited by attackers. So, in 2012, at one of the conferences, security specialists managed to download a special exploit (), which took control of the device. Naturally, the vulnerability has since been fixed.

Other information about NFC vulnerabilities appears on the Internet from time to time. In most cases they are far-fetched. For example, there is an opinion that using jammers (electronic warfare equipment) it is possible to modify the data on the device, but this is practically impossible due to the impossibility of establishing communication in this way.

As a result, we can say that NFC on a phone is one of the most secure technologies. At least, so far there have been no mass attacks by cybercriminals through interface vulnerabilities.

How to check if your phone has NFC

So, we figured out what NFC is, its specifications and features. Now let's move on to checking your smartphone to support this technology. There are several ways to do this:

View the technical specifications of the device on the Internet or on the manufacturer’s official website - pay attention to the “Interfaces” or “Communications” section (as a rule, the manufacturer does not lose the opportunity to once again declare NFC support).
Typically, if a smartphone supports NFC, the corresponding item appears in the “Wireless connections” section in the phone settings.
Some smartphone models that have a collapsible body allow you to see NFC for yourself. As a rule, the transmitter is placed under the cover, connecting to the battery with special contacts. Look for an identifying mark - this could also be a wireless charging receiver.

Often, in the case of tablets, smart watches and other equipment, you can find a special pointer on the case that confirms the presence of NFC. By the way, when pairing, you need to bring the second device exactly to the image location.

Which phones have NFC

Almost every flagship of recent times has NFC; increasingly, the interface can be found in the middle segment; if desired, you can even find budget smartphones that support the technology. For example, here are a few models:

Among the flagships: iPhone starting with iPhone 6S; Samsung Galaxy S, starting with S3, LG, starting with G4 (and a number of K-series solutions), Xperia X line from Sony; and any other well-known manufacturer has at least a couple of flagships with NFC.
Among the available segment(up to 20,000 rubles) : the latest smartphone models Samsung Galaxy A and J, Honor 8, Huawei Nova, Nokia 5 and 6, and many others.
Among the most accessible: Nokia 3, ASUS ZenFone 2, (one of the cheapest smartphones with NFC), also many Chinese phones support NFC.

How to use NFC on your phone

Let's move on to using NFC. To start working, we need to transfer the technology to an active state. To do this, follow the following instructions:

go to “Settings” of your phone;
go to the “Wireless Connections and Networks” section;
turn the toggle switch to the active state opposite the “NFC” item.

That's it, after that we can use the interface.

Transfer files using NFC

As already noted, the NFC interface is not very suitable for transferring large files due to its low speed. And besides, not everyone wants to hold smartphones next to each other while the film is being broadcast. However, NFC is great for small files (notes, links, contacts, addresses from maps, etc.), which is facilitated by the high pairing speed.

To transfer data via NFCboth phones must support the technology, in addition, it must be active. Also, none of the smartphones should be locked.

The transfer process is somewhat reminiscent of the days of Siemens and IR ports:

Until recently, only flagship smartphones, and not every company, could boast the ability to make contactless payments. The fact is that for this function to work, you need not only NFC, but also the appropriate software.

On usedApple Pay- a very common payment method in America, and in Russia it is gaining enormous popularity.Samsungwas also one of the first to introduce its own payment system with a simple nameSamsung Pay. In addition to these market giants, some other companies have proprietary payment systems.

Quite recently, a significant event occurred for Android device users - the Android Pay application was introduced. It has become universal, that is, it allows you to make payments from any Android phone with NFC.

How to add a card to Android Pay to pay for purchases via phone

to pay using phone and NFC we will, of course, need a special application;

These can be the branded ones listed above, or universal Android Pay. All are available for free in online stores. We'll take a closer look at Android Pay.

When installing the application, you must provide it with the required permissions, connect to your account (you can use Google);
now we need to add bank cards from which payments will be made;

You can find out about participating banks that provide services by opening the Android Pay context menu (three dots at the top right) and selecting the desired item.

to add a card, click on the plus at the bottom right;
from the proposed options (“Add a debit card”, “Add a loyalty card” and “Add a gift card”), select the one you need;
in a new window, which will be presented as a camera application, you need to place your card in the frame;

You can also specify the card number and other data manually by clicking the appropriate button.

Having specified all the required information, Android Pay will offer to confirm the binding (for this, an SMS message is used in which your bank will send a code, or a proprietary application, for example, “Sberbank Online”).

That's it, you can rid your wallet of one card that will no longer be useful to you. Add other cards in the same way so you don’t needlessly carry them around with you.

How to pay using Android Pay and an NFC phone

Everything here is generally very simple. As they say, even a child can handle it, the main thing is that NFC is supported in the phone.

Just pay attention that the terminal must support the contactless payment function. It is indicated by a special symbol (Android Pay uses a distinctive green robot). As a rule, such terminals already exist in every major shopping center, but still not everywhere.

Payment occurs in two steps:

unlock your phone with NFC;
bring it to the terminal;
hold until a tick appears.

If everything goes well, a corresponding notification will appear on the terminal. Your bank card will be debited as soon as possible. The debit is made from the card that is installed as the main one.

As you can see, paying with NFC on your phone is very easy. You are not even required to enter a password (not always).

If the purchase price is over 1000 rubles or you make a payment using Android Pay for the fourth time in a row, the system will ask for a password. This was done, as you might guess, for security purposes.

Hello dear readers of this blog. In this article I will talk about interesting NFC technology. Many have already heard about this new product, but it was announced in 2004. The opportunity is most often used in smartphones based on Android or iOS, but there are many other devices where the technology is used, we will also talk about this.

NFC(Near field communication) - translated as “near contactless communication”. There are several definitions. Used to provide communication between devices over a short distance, originally intended for contactless transactions. The actual distance for interaction is 10 cm.

We’ve talked about the definition, now let’s move on directly to analyzing all the nuances, history and places of use.

Content:

How NFC works

It would seem that the function is very different from other wireless models, and is also inferior to them. The principle of NFC operation is that a device with a built-in module of this technology operates at a speed of approximately 400 Kbps (obviously inferior to Wi-Fi), interaction occurs at a distance of 10 cm, that is, you practically touch the devices to each other, although time connections are usually instantaneous.

The NFC module is very compact, so it can be built into not only smartphones, but also watches. It doesn't consume a lot of energy. For the module to work in the desired direction, the device must have an antenna. On phones it is usually on the back. Thus, touching the devices should provide instantaneous contact. If the device is large in size, for example, a tablet, then it is more difficult to find the point of interaction.

As for security, the creators didn’t think about it at all. Security must be implemented at the device level where the NFC module is used. In other words, if you use a payment system, then you don’t have to worry about the security of making payments. If your phone is lost or stolen, you will be to blame if you have not set at least a minimum level of protection as an unlocking device, for example, a pattern key, a fingerprint scanner or a PIN code.

Of course, the difference between NFC technology and other wireless solutions is that the technology is essentially a script, unlike Bluetooth, which clearly states that it must receive and receive data, or be able to connect with headphones and other devices. In NFC, various methods can be created independently, which will be implemented using software. In short, give free rein to your imagination and you can create a lot of interesting things.

By the way, I never said that the NFC function was created based on RFID identification. Usually these are so-called tags that allow you to automatically identify a device using a radio signal. This feature allows you to communicate with both active devices (that run on batteries) and passive ones (that do not require power).

What is the peculiarity of the technology and where is it used?

When it comes to smartphones, there are several applications for this type of device:

Use as a payment system (linking credit cards, gift and discount cards);
Transfer data between two devices (let me remind you, the distance between devices is at least 10 cm);
Use as user identification;
Bluetooth connection for data transfer;
Reading RFID tags to obtain information, for example, from bulletin boards.

As already mentioned, NFC is most often used in smartphones and tablets running iOS. The thing is that we almost never part with our phone, so the integration of wireless technology was aimed primarily at mobile devices.

In the future, NFC technology will be used not only in mobile phones, but also in electronic keys, with a unique identifier, perhaps one that cannot be faked, when purchasing airline tickets, and indeed any tickets in general, and many other options.

Door locks and handles

By the way, now you don’t have to worry about losing the key to open the door, because there is a handle that has wireless high-frequency communication technology built into it. With any device (for example, a telephone), you can enter a corresponding tag that will open the door when presented. You can look for such a thing in Chinese online stores like Aliexpress.

Surprisingly, there are so-called smart locks. They not only have a key hole, but also built-in NFC module. It can send a notification to your phone the moment you open the door (or someone tried to do it), and also if someone knocked. The lock can be connected via a network and controlled remotely. You can make electronic keys with built-in tags and distribute them to all family members or even friends.

NFC ring, what is it and how to use it

As already mentioned, if you have any thing with an NFC module, you can record almost any information. For example, you have a special ring. Using it, you can transfer contact information and do not need to carry all sorts of cards with you. It can also be used to open the same locks.

If there is no electricity in the house (and the lock is powered from it or from batteries), then the door can be opened with a key. In this case, you should play it safe and always carry the key with you when you leave.

Contactless payment

I have already written about this type of use of the above technology. Now in almost all cities of Russia, at least in one store, there is an ATM or reader that allows you to do so. You just need to link the card to an application such as Android Pay or Samsung Pay.

Fare payment

The same NFC will help you pay for your subway fare or go through a turnstile. To pay, you will need a special SIM card that supports this technology. Most likely, most operators now support it, but you’d better check.

Finally, you can use NFC in jewelry; some manage to embed it in tattoos, for example, to unlock a smartphone.

News on NFC Forum

Along with the development, a forum was founded where developers are trying to promote the technology in various household solutions, and smartphones, of course.

On the resource you can find the necessary information about NFC and news, most likely related to the compliance of standards in some devices.

What about security in devices with NFC

The use of various methods of unauthorized access to data via NFC has already been repeatedly mentioned. For example, in 2012, an exploit was created that allows you to insert malicious code into a smartphone and gain full access to everything that is in it, including managing the device.

If an attacker has the necessary antennas, then there is a chance to listen to a person via NFC; of course, with some skill, you can achieve wiretapping at a distance of a few meters maximum. An important fact is that a device powered by energy is easier to listen to than a passive version.

Through experiments, a disruption in the communication of devices was identified by jamming the signal. A radio signal is known to be very easy to distort, and the RFID module is very sensitive to this.

Why can't I use Bluetooth to perform the operation?

Bluetooth differs from NFC in that it has a long range, which makes the signal easy to intercept, as well as a short access time. NFC communicates with the device almost instantly.

NFC - which phones have it and how to enable it

I'll show you using an Android phone as an example. When purchasing, you probably read the characteristics of the smartphone, and there was probably a line “NFC support” there. If you don't remember, you can look it up in the system settings.

To get started, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. It is quite possible that you will see an “NFC” option there.

If there is no function in the notification shade, then go to settings. I have Android 7.1.2 with the LineageOS shell, so I’ll show you with an example. In chapter "Wireless network" click on the button "More".

We are in a section where the NFC subsection is displayed, where you can enable it. There is also an Android Beam function that allows you to exchange data between devices and contactless payment, where you can select the main payment method.

How to use tags with an Android device

First, you need to find NFC tags. They can be used to run any Android application. For example, you are sitting behind the wheel, and it is not convenient for you to search for the right application every time and take your attention from the road. This is where a tag comes to the rescue; when you attach it to your smartphone, the application will instantly launch.

To write the necessary data into the tag you need to download the application NFC ReTAG. Using it, you scan the tag, and then select the application that you want to launch when you bring it to your smartphone.

How to transfer files via NFC

Now touch the phone where you want to send the file and wait. In fact, this data transfer option is much inferior to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but if you need to transfer some top-secret data, then a short range and minimal probability of interception will ensure this.

In addition to standard file transfer using Android Beam, you can transfer:

Open link in the browser;
Data from Google Maps (of a specific route or location);
Contacts – sent without a photo;
Applications from Google – a link is sent;
Any types of files - from text to media.

Creating marks

To create tags you will need a blank; the form factor can be to suit every taste. Regular round tags can be purchased both in Russia and on the Internet, for example, on Aliexpress for 80 rubles.

Now you can install the application on your smartphone (do we need to somehow write the information onto the tag?). I might suggest TagInfo or TagWriter.

The second utility can write the necessary data to the tag, we will need it today. The first one reads the information. You can write down anything, but since the tag has a very small volume (usually in bytes), some data, such as contacts, cannot always be recorded. More precisely, the contact itself will be recorded, but the photo attached to it will not. In future articles, I will show you how to create an NFC tag using the mentioned application.

That's all, now you know what NFC is, which phones have it and why it is used at all. It can be quite helpful in everyday life. If you have any questions, be sure to write in the comments.

Technologies do not stand still; every day new additions and functions appear on the phone that make its operation more comfortable and efficient.

NFC (Near field communication) is a high-frequency wireless communication technology created for exchanging information between devices. Functions in the same way as the now obsolete IR port.

This technology is not at all new, as it might seem at first glance. Its announcement took place in 2004. It was created by the joint efforts of Nokia, Sony and Philips.

It didn't have much effect on society back then. Some see the reason that Apple, the main driver of new mobile communication technologies, has not recognized this technology.

What is NFC in a smartphone and why is it needed?

NFC is considered a branch of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) technology. This is a technology that is based on the same idea - the use of radio waves to receive and transmit information. At the same time, NFC technology has two pleasant differences:

A phone with NFC carries out two-way data transfer (RFID only in one direction);

Supports much more data.

The first mobile device with NFC support appeared back in 2006. It turned out to be the NOKIA 6131 smartphone. But due to the lack of infrastructure - special terminals, NFC tags, the technology did not gain much popularity.

NFC on the phone

NFC functions on the phone

There are 3 main purposes of NFC on a phone:

Making contactless payments. A phone with an NFC module is designed to read and emulate (that is, imitate the operation without losing functionality for making a payment) your bank card or identity card. This payment method is convenient because it is always at hand. You can easily leave your card or wallet at home, but most people never part with their phone. In order for this to work, you need to have three conditions: a smartphone with an NFC chip, a special program for paying and storing your data: Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay or any other payment system, you need to enter the payment details from the card into it, and that’s all The system does the rest automatically, a terminal in the store that accepts contactless payment.
Data transfer (peer-to-peer). In this way, you can connect two devices to transmit this or that information. For example: transfer Wi-Fi settings to a mobile phone or tablet. You can also print photos by holding the camera close to the printer (the only condition is that both devices support the NFC function).
3. Scan mode. In this case, the device acts as a reader of NFC tags, which carry various information. For example, you can get all the necessary data about food products (for example, about a carton of milk - date and place of manufacture, composition, expiration date) just by holding your smartphone to a special tag. It is located on the box (like a barcode, but easier to read). It must be remembered that for NFC to work properly in the phone, this function must be enabled.

You can also find such tags on smart posters and posters. By holding your smartphone close to them, you can get all the necessary information about the event or watch interactive advertising.

NFC technology is developing rapidly and is entering different areas of life. The NFC module for the phone is also actively used:

transfer files (photos and music);
electronic key (NFC technology for accessing private data);
ID card (NFC chip with information about the owner);
transfer of funds (by touching smartphones to each other);
NFC tags (for saving information: address, phone number, bank opening hours).
electronic ticket purchase;
traveler cards;
mobile commerce;
electronic money;
initializing wireless connections.

Pay using NFC on your phone

The best way is contactless payment using a bank card that has a built-in NFC antenna. When making a purchase, the amount will be automatically withdrawn upon contact with the terminal.

You can also use your phone as a bank card. The payment scheme is as follows: bring your smartphone to the terminal, and the payment will be made.

Making a payment

So, now it’s clear what NFC is needed for.

You also need to list the positive qualities of the technology.

Advantages and disadvantages

NFC has its pros and cons. It is worth evaluating them to understand whether this feature is needed for this phone.

Advantages:

eliminates data loss and interception;
a convenient way to transfer financial data;
unlike bluetooth, the connection time between devices is almost instantaneous;
low energy consumption;
the chip is very small, it can be used in a wide variety of items;

Embedded chip

the average frequency, which allows you to send and receive data using radio signals not only from active but also passive devices, is a frequency of 13.56 MHz;
allows instant communication;
works without power supply to any of the devices (turned off phone, credit smart card).

Flaws:

Short range: data transmission is possible at a distance of no more than 10 cm.
Oddly enough, this same minus is also a plus, since the short range guarantees that the signal will not be intercepted. In general, this is why NFC was created, because bluetooth in a phone also transmits a signal, but it travels too far.
Not available on every smartphone. We are also solving this issue; the number of models that support this technology is constantly increasing.
To pay using NFC, you need a terminal, but it is not available everywhere, especially if the owner of the phone lives in a small town.

Safety

Contactless payment

After learning about the possibility of paying using your phone, some may ask how safe it is.

You don't have to worry about someone stealing it. All information about the cards is stored not on the phone or SD card, but on a special chip embedded in the smartphone itself.

To create it, the same technology is used that is used in EMV standard bank cards. This standard was developed jointly by Europay, Visa and MasterCard in order to maximize the security of financial transactions.

While working, they encrypt the data themselves, conducting the authentication process and making payment transactions.

How the technology works

The NFC operating system is very complex, it is better to discuss it briefly and concisely.

There are two operating modes of the device:

Active. There are two induction coils that must be attached to each device used. A magnetic field and electric current are formed, which turns into a signal. The devices take turns sending electromagnetic fields, exchanging them.
Passive. In this mode, one phone creates the field, and the second one receives it. Bank and other cards work this way.

Please note that if your phone is locked or in sleep mode, data transfer will be interrupted.

To get started, connect the devices with their backs, bringing them as close to each other as possible. When you hear a sound notification, allow data transfer.

Connecting devices for data transfer

Features of use:

This open platform technology has been standardized in ECMA-340 and ISO/IEC 18092.

The standards define:

transmission speed;
modulation schemes;
radio frequency structure of the device interface;
initialization schemes and conditions that are required to control conflict situations during the initialization process;
protocol for transmission, activation and exchange of data.

NFC combines many standards that existed before. These also include ISO 14443, ISO 15693.

In addition, the NFC Forum created NDEF, a common data format that can be used to store and transfer data elements (from a MIME object to ultra-short RTD documents such as URLs).

NDEF is a compressed binary format in which each entry contains a different object class. The first report type defines the context of the entire message.

Data transfer

For this, two types of encoding are used:

modified Miller code with 100% modulation (relevant for transmitting information at a speed of 106 kbaud);
Manchester (used in all other cases).

Data is quite easy to destroy using electronic warfare (jammers). It is difficult to prevent such an action, but it will result in the connection being terminated. Otherwise, no harm can be done in this way.

Support devices

In addition to the above functions, NFC can connect many devices to your phone with one touch. In general, the list is very large, you can consider some of them:

column;
bluetooth headphones;
door lock;
TV.

NFC instead of a door key

It is clear that the items support this function.

There is also a more mundane way to use this technology. Let's say the owner of the phone needs the smartphone to automatically launch the navigator in the car, get directions to work, turn on Bluetooth, turn on music and turn off Wi-Fi.

The modern mobile industry offers smartphone users of any price category a variety of technologies that they really need. However, not everyone knows about NFC technology, and even more people don’t even use it. But this module is extremely important and convenient.

What is the essence of near-field technology?

It is most fully called “near field communication” - this is the literal interpretation of the English phrase “near field communication” or NFC for short. This technology is based on wireless information transfer. It has a limited operating radius, so data transfer from device to device occurs at a distance not exceeding 10 cm. In simpler terms, using NFC, gadgets exchange data contactlessly. The main thing is that at this moment they are at a close distance from each other.

NFC is an extension of the ISO 14443 standard for contactless cards. This technology combines a smart card and reader interface into one device. Operates at an operating frequency of 13.56 MHz. Supports the minimum time required to establish communication between exchanging devices - no more than 0.1 fractions of a second.

Physical components supporting NFC technology are very compact in size and have low power consumption. Therefore, “near field” is actively used even in modest-sized mobile devices. So that users do not have difficulties using NFC in practice (not everyone understands which side to apply the gadget for the technology to work), the location of the chip is often indicated on the device with a special sticker.

How to understand if there is NFC in your gadget?

Due to its small size, communication is used in many gadgets, not just phones: for example, in payment terminals; found in cards intended for travel payments; present in bank plastic. Now they have even begun to produce household appliances equipped with “near-field” technology, in particular, Smart refrigerators.

But how do you understand that NFC is present, for example, in a mobile phone?

First of all, it is worth examining the gadget itself. Manufacturers often leave an indication on the body of the equipment in the form of an emblem resembling antennas. A similar icon will appear in the pop-up menu of the mobile phone.

In addition, you can look into the settings by selecting the “Wireless Networks” section. Then you need to click on “More” - and if there is an indication of the presence of NFC, then you should check the box next to its icon to activate it.

Areas of application NFC

Today there are 3 main industries where “near-field communication” is in demand:

Contactless payments. To do this, you need to link a bank card to your smartphone, so that you can then simply touch the gadget to the payment terminal to debit money from your account. As a result, you will not need to carry payment plastic with you. In addition, this payment method is considered one of the safest, since NFC has a very short range. This means that attackers will not be able to intercept the signal.

Activating this technology for calculations is very simple:

You must have a card from the bank that supports the “paypass” mode;
you need to install the appropriate application from the issuing bank;
after that, you need to enter your “Personal Account” and select “NFC” there;
then a bank card is applied to the back cover of the device so that all information on it can be read by the sensor.

Information exchange. To implement this function, you need to install a special application, in particular, “Android Beam”. It will allow you to transfer a variety of files from one device to another. But do not forget that the transfer speed via NFC is quite low. Therefore, it is better to send only links, and not the files themselves.
Reading marks. To do this, you also need to install a special application. It can be found on the Play Market. As a result, the user gets the opportunity to find out, for example, the composition of food products and their expiration date, only by holding up a gadget with NFC to read the barcode from the goods.

Despite this limited scope of application, NFC technology has proven to be very convenient. And that’s why it is now actively being introduced into budget gadgets, expanding their list every year.