Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows short-range data exchange between nearby devices that are only a few centimeters apart.
Since Nokia, Philips, and Sony established industry standards at the Near Field Communication Forum in 2004, NFC is compatible across multiple operating systems, services, and device manufacturers. NFC has many use cases, such as contactless payments, public transportation, identification cards, and even gaming devices such as the Nintendo Switch.
How does NFC work?
NFC is built on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, such as ISO/IEC 14443 and Feli, allowing NFC to work with any device, regardless of the manufacturer. NFCs work by having a device with an NFC reader generate a current through a loop antenna, creating an electromagnetic field operating at 13.56 MHz. When another device with an NFC tag is near the reader device, it causes induction coupling, which allows the two devices to connect.
What is NFC used for?
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Mobile payments
Services like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay use NFC to enable users to pay by simply tapping their smartphones on a point-of-sale terminal.
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Data transfer
NFC facilitates the effortless sharing of information between devices. From exchanging contact details to sharing photos, NFC simplifies peer-to-peer communication without the need for manual pairing or complex setup procedures.
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Identification and access control
NFC’s short range makes it a secure choice for several access control systems. It is used in key cards and smartphones to provide secure access to buildings, hotel rooms, and vehicles, ensuring enhanced security with reduced physical key usage.
What are the benefits of NFC?
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Convenience
NFC provides a straightforward, user-friendly interface that simplifies transactions and data exchanges. Thanks to NFC, devices no longer need additional hardware like card readers.
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Security
Compared to other wireless technology, such as WiFi, NFC’s extremely short range reduces the chance of unauthorized parties accessing the devices.
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Speed
Transactions and data exchanges via NFC occur almost instantaneously, creating seamless user experiences, especially for applications such as contactless payments in retail.
NFC usage for Android devices
NFC has been available for Android Devices since 2010 with the release of the Google Nexus S. As an open-source OS, Android offers software developers extensive access to NFC functionalities. Because of this, Android devices can utilize NFC for applications like payments, and data sharing. Android applications also allow users to use NFC tags to automate tasks like initiating Bluetooth pairings or launching specific apps. These NFC tags can also be used for Android enrollment for mobile device management (MDM) software.
Android devices with NFC support three modes:
1. Reader/writer mode
This mode allows the Android device to read and write NFC tags. NFC tags can be used to automate tasks on an Android device.
2. P2P mode
An Android device can use NFC to connect to other Android devices. NFC facilitates rapid data exchange between the two Android devices, enabling users to share contacts, images, and files by bringing two devices close together.
3. Card emulation mode
This mode enables an Android device to act as an NFC card. This is typically used for applications with external NFC readers, such as contactless transactions.
NFC usage for iOS devices
Since 2014, Apple has offered NFC since the launch of the iPhone 6. On Apple devices, NFCs utilize the Secure Element. This certified chip secures data stored on an iOS device, establishing a highly secure environment for Apple Pay and other authorized NFC interactions. Compared to Android, Apple limits access to its NFC, so Apple’s software development lifecycle generally revolves around NFC reading capabilities and selected secure applications, such as Apple Pay. As of iOS 18.1, Apple has enabled more applications for NFC on iOS devices, but these are selectively available to API developers through Apple’s frameworks.
Gain complete visibility of corporate-issued and BYOD mobile devices with NFC to ensure they remain secure with NinjaOne MDM.
Secure NFC usage with MDM
NFC is a powerful technology that has transformed various services by offering secure, fast, and convenient short-range data exchange and wireless communication. That’s why IT teams should not underestimate the importance of MDM for securing their mobile fleet. IT teams with Android and iOS mobile devices that utilize NFC should consider investing in the best MDM software, such as NinjaOne. As G2’s #1 MDM software, NinjaOne helps IT professionals secure sensitive corporate data with comprehensive mobile device monitoring and management.
