Near Field Communication (NFC): An Overview

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables data exchange between devices when they are brought within a few centimeters of each other. Built on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, NFC operates at 13.56 MHz and is designed for quick, secure, and intuitive interactions. Its ease of use—often requiring nothing more than a simple tap—has made NFC a foundational technology in modern digital ecosystems.

One of the most prominent applications of NFC is in contactless payments. Smartphones, smartwatches, and contactless cards use NFC to complete transactions securely and rapidly, reducing reliance on cash and physical contact. Beyond payments, NFC is widely used in access control systems, public transportation ticketing, and identity verification. The technology supports multiple operating modes, including reader/writer mode, card emulation mode, and peer-to-peer mode, allowing flexibility across a wide range of use cases.