Table of Contents

1. NFC and Its Core Concepts ......................................................................................................... 2

What is NFC?.................................................................................................................................. 2
How NFC Works ............................................................................................................................ 2
NFC Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................ 2
NFC Modes of Operation................................................................................................................ 2
Common NFC Use Cases ............................................................................................................... 3
2. Alternative Technologies to NFC................................................................................................. 3
A. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) ..................................................................................... 3
B. Bluetooth & Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) ............................................................................... 4
C. QR Codes ................................................................................................................................... 4
D. EMV Chip Cards (Europay, MasterCard, Visa) ........................................................................ 4
E. Ultrasonic Communication ......................................................................................................... 5
F. UWB (Ultra-Wideband) ............................................................................................................. 5
3. Challenges and Issues in NFC ...................................................................................................... 5
A. Technical Challenges ................................................................................................................. 5
B. Security Issues ............................................................................................................................ 6
4. Solutions and Limitations............................................................................................................. 6
A. Security Solutions ...................................................................................................................... 6
B. Limitations of Current Solutions ................................................................................................ 6
5. NFC Architecture.......................................................................................................................... 6
A. Main Layers ............................................................................................................................... 6
B. Types of NFC Tags .................................................................................................................... 7
6. Key Features of NFC Technology................................................................................................ 7
Core Features: ................................................................................................................................. 7

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1. NFC and Its Core Concepts
What is NFC?

NFC stands for Near Field Communication. It is a short-range wireless communication

technology that allows two electronic devices to exchange small amounts of data when placed
very close to each other — usually within a range of about 4 cm.

It is commonly used in smartphones, smart cards, and devices for mobile payments, identity
verification, smart locks, and more.

How NFC Works

• One device, such as a smartphone or NFC reader, creates an alternating magnetic field
using radio frequency waves at 13.56 MHz.
• The other device, often an NFC tag, responds to this field and is typically powered by
it, meaning it does not need a separate battery.
• This setup allows two devices to exchange small data packets wirelessly and securely
within a close range.

NFC Technical Specifications

• Range: Up to 4 cm
• Frequency: 13.56 MHz
• Data Rate: Up to 424 kbps
• Power Source: Passive tags draw power from the initiating device
• Device Roles: One device initiates communication (active), the other responds
(passive)

NFC Modes of Operation

There are three main modes in which NFC devices can operate:

1. Card Emulation Mode

• The device acts like a contactless card.

• Used in mobile payment systems.
• Example: When using Google Pay or Apple Pay, your phone simulates a debit/credit
card to make contactless payments.

2. Reader/Writer Mode

• The device reads from or writes to NFC tags.

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 • Example: Tapping your phone on a museum exhibit or poster to read information
stored in the tag.

3. Peer-to-Peer Mode

• Two NFC-enabled devices communicate directly and exchange data.

• Example: Sharing contacts, files, or photos between two phones by tapping them
together.

Common NFC Use Cases

Use Case Explanation

Tap phone or card on a terminal to make a
Contactless Payments
payment
Use NFC-enabled cards or phones for
Public Transport
metro/bus access
Unlock homes or vehicles using a phone with
Smart Locks
NFC
Identity verification using NFC-embedded
Digital ID/ePassports
documents
Tap posters or labels to open links or view
Smart Posters
information
Patient wristbands with NFC tags to store
Healthcare
health data
Unlock characters or content using NFC
Gaming Consoles
devices
Scan NFC tags on products for tracking and
Inventory Management
stock updates
Phones acting as digital car keys for
Automotive
unlocking vehicles

2. Alternative Technologies to NFC

Although NFC is widely used for short-range secure communication, there are several other
technologies that serve similar purposes. These alternatives vary in range, speed, usage, and
how they transmit data.

A. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

How It Works:

RFID uses radio frequency waves to identify and track tags attached to objects. Unlike NFC,
RFID doesn't need the devices to be very close or aligned — and it doesn't use magnetic field
induction.

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Key Points:

• Range: From a few centimeters to over 10 meters (depending on the type)

• Frequency Bands: 125 kHz (Low Frequency), 13.56 MHz (High Frequency), 860–
960 MHz (Ultra-High Frequency)
• Power: Passive RFID tags receive power from the reader; active tags have a battery
• Use Cases: Inventory tracking, access control cards, toll collection systems, animal
tagging

B. Bluetooth & Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

How It Works:

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate over short to medium
ranges. BLE is a low-energy version ideal for smart devices and wearables.

Key Points:

• Range: Up to 100 meters (much longer than NFC)

• Speed: Around 1 Mbps
• Pairing Required: Devices need to pair before communication
• Use Cases: Wireless audio, fitness trackers, smartwatches, file transfer, beacons in
retail

C. QR Codes

How It Works:

QR codes are 2D barcodes scanned using a phone camera. They encode information (like links,
text, or payment info) and don’t need special hardware.

Key Points:

• Range: Requires line of sight — must scan with a camera

• Power: Doesn’t require power to read
• Use Cases: Mobile payments, product information, event check-ins, digital menus

D. EMV Chip Cards (Europay, MasterCard, Visa)

How It Works:

These are smart payment cards that contain a secure microchip. They support both contact
and contactless transactions.

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Key Points:

• Modes: Insert (contact) or tap (contactless)

• Security: Stronger encryption than magnetic stripe cards
• Use Cases: ATM withdrawals, credit/debit card payments in stores

E. Ultrasonic Communication

How It Works:

This method uses high-frequency sound waves (above human hearing range) to transmit data
between devices, usually via built-in microphones and speakers.

Key Points:

• Range: Short range, depends on environment

• Speed: Lower than NFC
• Use Cases: Device pairing, smart advertisements, indoor location services

F. UWB (Ultra-Wideband)

How It Works:

UWB is a radio-based technology that uses very low energy for short-range, high-bandwidth
communications. It allows precise distance measurement.

Key Points:

• Range: Up to 10 meters
• Precision: Very accurate location tracking (within centimeters)
• Use Cases: Digital car keys (Apple U1 chip), indoor navigation, AR/VR spatial
positioning

3. Challenges and Issues in NFC

While NFC is a powerful and secure technology, it also faces several limitations and risks.

A. Technical Challenges

• Short Range: NFC only works within a few centimeters, which limits use in some
applications.
• Slow Data Rate: Data speed (up to 424 kbps) is much slower compared to Bluetooth
or Wi-Fi.

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 • Device Compatibility: Not all phones or systems support all NFC modes.
• Software Diversity: Different devices and OS handle NFC operations in their own
ways.
• Limited Functionality: NFC tags and devices often have limited memory and
processing capabilities.

B. Security Issues

• Relay Attacks: A hacker can “relay” the signal between two NFC devices to steal
information.
• Eavesdropping: Though difficult due to short range, signals can still be intercepted
with special tools.
• Data Corruption: If NFC data is altered in transit, it can cause errors in the transaction.
• Unauthorized Access: Poor app design or weak security can allow attacks through
NFC services.

4. Solutions and Limitations

A. Security Solutions

1. Encryption: Data is scrambled into a secret code when sent between devices, so only
the correct recipient can read it.
2. Tokenization: Replaces actual card info with a one-time-use “token” during payment.
3. Biometric Verification: Uses face, fingerprint, or eye scan to authorize NFC
transactions.
4. Secure Element (SE): A special chip inside the phone where sensitive data is stored
safely.
5. Trusted Execution Environment (TEE): A secure part of the processor that handles
sensitive operations.
6. App-Based Permissions: NFC usage is controlled by app settings (e.g., requiring a
PIN or biometric before access).

B. Limitations of Current Solutions

• Cost of Implementation: Extra chips (like SE) make devices more expensive.
• User Awareness: Many users don’t know about the security options or how to use
them.
• Fragmentation: Not all devices or regions support the same security models.

5. NFC Architecture
NFC systems use a layered architecture to handle all operations—from hardware
communication to user apps.

A. Main Layers
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 • Application Layer: Apps like Google Pay, e-ticketing, smart locks, etc.
• Middleware Layer: Connects the app with the hardware (includes Android’s NFC
stack, drivers, etc.)
• Hardware Layer: NFC chip, antenna, Secure Element (SE), TEE.

B. Types of NFC Tags

Type Speed Memory Features Use Case

Simple info
Type 1 106 kbps ~96 bytes Rewritable
posters

Event tickets,
Type 2 106 kbps 48 bytes–2 KB Rewritable
tags

Advanced
Type 3 212/424 kbps Up to 1 MB ID systems
features

High security,
Type 4 106–424 kbps Up to 32 KB Banking
encrypted

Long range
Type 5 ~53 kbps Varies Industrial use
(ISO 15693)

6. Key Features of NFC Technology

NFC comes with several advantages that make it suitable for everyday applications.

Core Features:

• Short-Range Communication: Reduces chances of unwanted interference.

• Low Power Usage: Ideal for mobile devices and battery-free tags.
• Quick Interaction: “Tap-and-go” operation makes it fast and easy.
• Bi-Directional Communication: Data can be both sent and received.
• Contactless Experience: No physical contact needed, reducing wear and hygiene risks.
• Multiple Modes: Supports card emulation, peer-to-peer, and reader/writer.
• Secure by Design: Allows encryption, authentication, and device-specific security
layers.
• IoT Integration: Easily connects with smart home, wearables, AI, and industry
systems.