If you follow developments in the tech industry on a semi-regular basis, you’re likely familiar with the terms near-field communication (NFC) and radio frequency identification (RFID). Recently, you may have seen RFID in the news, or you may have been told that your cell phone is an NFC device. In any case, this article will answer a few questions you may have about RFID and NFC
RFID and NFC utilize similar technologies, but which is one right for your business? Which solution is better for small businesses, and which is more suited for enterprise use?
Technology is exploding faster than the average person can keep up with it. From new cloud services to smartphones, you are inundated with evolving technology on a daily basis.
Two of those technologies that you might have heard about fall into the category of wireless communication. Radio frequency identification (RFID) and near-field communication (NFC) are advancing quickly in today’s tech-focused environment. RFID and NFC are used across the globe in untold numbers in applications such as access control, asset tracking and contactless payments.
If you have the latest in smartphone technology, you probably have an NFC-enabled device that allows you to charge wirelessly and tap your phone to a screen for contactless payments at the gas station, grocery store or other location. And your four-footed friend quite possibly has an RFID microchip implanted under its skin, so in case it gets lost, shelters and veterinarians can get your pet returned to you quickly.
But in terms of your business, what is ideal for network security in your small business or enterprise company?
What is RFID?
RFID is the process by which electromagnetic fields are used to identify and track tags attached to objects. To uniquely identify items using radio waves, RFID requires, at a minimum, a tag, a reader and an antenna. RFID tags contain an antenna and a memory chip that stores data, and in order to see that data, you need an RFID reader.
You will most frequently encounter RFID in retail stores where RFID is used to track inventory. In fact, RFID technology’s biggest area of use is in inventory management and asset tracking in retail stores and warehouses and shipping industries. RFID tags can be attached to items such as automobiles to track its progress through the production line as it is built.
In addition, RFID tags can be attached to vehicles, such as in an electronic toll collection system, to allow access to controlled roads or areas without having to stop the vehicle. Passive RFID tags, which do not have their own power source, have a read range from near contact up to 25 meters, making them ideal for toll roads and controlled access areas accessible by car. Active RFID tags contain their own power source, which boosts their broadcast ability to upwards of 100 meters.
Although RFID tags can be used for access control, more commonly your business or office is just using a Proximity ID or proximity card. Proximity cards are widely used in identification badges, so if your company building requires tight security measures where only employees can access the building, proximity cards are the way to go. Proximity cards need to be held near the reader to authenticate the badge. The range of a proximity card is very limited — two feet compared to an RFID range of 300 feet.
What is NFC?
NFC is best described as a subset of RFID. NFC devices operate at the same frequency as high frequency RFID readers and tags — 13.56 MHz. But unlike RFID devices and tags, NFC does not have a range from 25 meters to 100 meters. Instead, NFC takes advantage of the short read range limitations of its radio frequency. Because NFC devices must be in close proximity to each other, no more than a few centimeters apart, NFC has become the top choice for secure communication between consumer devices such as smartphones.
NFC enables peer-to-peer communication between devices because it acts as both a reader and a tag. NFC smartphones can share information just by tapping the devices together. Want to share a photo or your contact info? No need to text or break out a business card, simply bump your phones together. Want to pay for a purchase without digging out your wallet? No problem, tap your smartphone to a contactless payment port at the business of your choosing.
In business terms, NFC is ideal for businesses wanting to communicate and share information quickly between employees. NFC tags can boost staff communication and provide real-time updates in the fast-paced business world. NFC tags allow employees to check in at their current locations, record time spent on the clock and provide updated schedules.
For small businesses focused on customers, payments and wait times, NFC card readers might be the ideal solution. It creates faster and more efficient ways to get through the checkout line.
No matter whether you run a small business or a large corporation, there is a wireless communication technology that can assist you. For businesses that need assistance with time management, employee tracking, customer satisfaction and reduced wait times, NFC is probably the technology for you. For businesses that need assistance with inventory tracking and access management, RFID is most likely the way to go. Consider the needs of your organization, including the security features and range capabilities, before making a decision — both technologies offer a new and improved way of completing tasks
What is the Future of RFID and NFC in IoT?
The integration of RFID with the Internet of Things (IoT) enhances its capabilities. The ability to connect RFID data with other sensors and devices for comprehensive data analysis and decision-making amplifies its utility in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.
NFC has the potential to play a significant role in smart city initiatives, enabling citizens to interact with various public services, transportation systems, and infrastructure using their devices. As smart city projects gain traction, NFC’s convenience and security will likely find broader applications.
Interoperability and standardization could emerge as a significant challenge, requiring collaboration among stakeholders to ensure seamless communication between various devices and systems. Amid these challenges, there lies immense potential for businesses to leverage RFID and NFC in novel ways, driving operational efficiency, enhancing customer engagement, and unlocking new revenue streams.
How do I know if my card is NFC or RFID?
Most RFID tags operate at different frequencies, so if you can find the frequency of the card, you can determine whether it is RFID or NFC. Look for the logo: Many NFC-enabled cards will have an NFC logo on them, either on the front or back of the card.
- Go to Settings
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- Tap Connected devices
Connection preferences
- Turn on Require device unlock for NFC.