NFC vs RFID: Simply explain the difference
Related Videos: NFC/RFID: the different card types (April 2024).
NFC and RFID are two abbreviations that are often used in the same context - but they don't mean the same thing. In this practical tip, we explain the basic difference between NFC and RFID.
RFID: that's behind the technology
RFID stands for "radio-frequency identification", in English "electromagnetic wave identification". It is a technology that enables various systems of automatic and contactless identification.
- RFID enables communication between a reader and a tag that is being read. The tags can either be passive or active.
- Active tags have their own power source and can be read over a distance of many meters.
- Passive tags do not have their own battery and are instead supplied with energy by an electromagnetic field generated by the reader. The reader must therefore be very close to the day in order to be able to read it.
- You can find passive tags in the German ID card, for example, which has installed an RFID chip since 2010. This contains some information that is used for electronic authentication.
- Since RFID chips have been mass-produced, this technology has been used in many industries.
NFC: That makes the technology special
NFC is based on RFID protocols and is a coupling method for RFID. The abbreviation stands for "Near Field Communication".
- In addition to reading tags, NFC can also write information.
- Most smartphones now have NFC built in, so that reading RFID chips with your mobile phone is possible.
- NFC also enables information to be exchanged between two devices. This means that Bluetooth devices can be paired with each other, files can be sent, or smartphones can be connected to a router without entering a password - all with just one touch.
- The transmission of data in both directions is one of the special features of NFC. NFC enables you to make cashless payments with your smartphone at checkouts.
- So NFC is a special sub-group of the RFID family, which in contrast to RFID enables communication and data exchange between two devices.
In another practical tip, you can read how you can prevent the theft of data on EC cards with NFC and protect your data.