RFIDandNFCare twotechnologiesthat workon the same principle. So, people tend confuse them. Even if this is not fundamentally wrong, there are differences between NFC and RFID. Here are our explanations and some examples of applications.
Contents:
- The difference between NFC and RFID
- RFID definition and applications
- NFC definition and applications
- When to choose NFC or RFID
The difference between NFC and RFID
RFIDandNFCare twotechnologiesforcommunicatingdataat adistance. At a fundamental level, NFC can be considered part of the RFID family. Themain differencelies in the rangeofcommunication.
While RFID can be used to receive and transmit radio waves over distances of 100 metres or more (for active tags, equipped with their own battery), NFC is limited to no more than 20 cm in the best cases. In reality, NFC’s range is more like 0 to 5 cm.
There is another difference between NFC and RFID: the frequency of the radio waves used. While RFID uses numerous frequency bands, NFC is limited to a high frequency at 13.56 MHz.
RFID definition and applications
Definition of RFID
 | RFID is the acronym forRadio Frequency Identification. The RFID system uses mostly high frequency radio waves to transmit and memorise data. The first application of the technology was by the British in 1935, trying to tell the difference between friendly and enemy aircraft on their radar. That was when the famous transponder was introduced, a method of identification still used in aircraft today. |
How RFID works
You need an RFID reader, comprising an emitter-receiver and an antenna, and a transponder, sometimes called an RFID chip, label or tag. The reader is constantly emitting a signal; when a corresponding tag comes in range, it receives the signal and responds to the reader with the information requested.
Active tags have a battery enabling them to send data over a bigger distance (around 100 metres) and to record new data. Passive versions have no battery, which limits their performance: the tags are activated by the radio waves emitted by the reader.
RFID applications
RFID technology is now widely used in public-private applications. One of the best known is automatic road tolls. The electronic toll system benefits numerous car and truck drivers in their work and life every day.
This communication technique is also ever more prevalent in the Internet of Things(IoT). Industrial, commercial and transport sectors make use of the technology for numerous applications:
- RFID helps with installation maintenance in the energy sector.
- Identifying items at a distance and all at once, unlike bar-codes and QR codes.
- Quicker and more efficient stock management. Stock can also be tracked in real time.
- Product traceability. Useful in the food industry where it is very important to be able to trace production chains.
- Optimising logistics:managingtransporters and the goods to be transported.
There aremany moreapplications, because when theRFID systemand the IoT are combined, your imagination is the only limit.
NFC definition and applications
Definition of NFC
| NFC, or Near Field Communication, is an offshoot of RFID technology. This is why they can be confused. NFC also involves sending data using radio waves, but only at very short distances. The various devices using the NFC system all use the same radio frequency (13.56 MHz), the aim being to limit their range to 20 cm at the very most. This meets requirements for data security. |
How NFC works
The NFC system requires the use of a reader - the terminal, and a receiver - the tag or label. The terminal and tag communicate with each other through electromagnetic induction. This can only function at veryshortdistances. The classic example of the benefit of this short range, and associated security, is contactless payment with a bank card.
NFC applications
NFC technology is best known in the field of smartphones. For a few years now, mobile phones have been used for contactless payments, validating train tickets, and so on. There are plenty more applications for NFC, for both personal and professional use, for instance:
| - As a public transport ticket on a smartphone.
- Pairing a smartphone with a speaker, a TV, a router, etc.
- Exchanging photos, videos and other files between phones.
- Replacing traditional keys with an NFC card for hotel rooms.
- Entering restricted access areas of a building with a company ID card.
- Etc.
|
When to choose NFC or RFID
Devices using NFC and RFID technologies offer numerous benefits for both users and companies. These benefits multiply if the devices are linked to the IoT: the introduction of additional data from the cloud, secure data transfers, long distance communication, and more. For help with your digital transformation and to know exactly when to use NFC rather than RFID, just get in touch. We can give you the advice you need.
See also:
- What is RFID technology?
- What are the major challenges for Big Data?
- What is Big Data?
FAQs
The main difference lies in the range of communication. While RFID can be used to receive and transmit radio waves over distances of 100 metres or more (for active tags, equipped with their own battery), NFC is limited to no more than 20 cm in the best cases. In reality, NFC's range is more like 0 to 5 cm.
Which is better, RFID or NFC? ›
RFID works at distances of hundreds of feet. Communication – RFID is typically only capable of one-way communication (from the tag to the reader), NFC is capable of two-way communication. Data Storage – NFC can store more complex data than simple identifying information. NFC tags can store up to 4KB of data.
Are NFC and RFID interchangeable? ›
Absolutely! NFC is intentionally designed to operate at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, which aligns with high-frequency RFID technology. As a result, NFC devices are fully capable of reading signals emitted by both NFC tags and HF RFID tags operating within this range.
Do credit cards use NFC or RFID? ›
That's because contactless credit card payments are enabled by a type of RFID technology called near-field communication, or NFC. When you wave your credit card or phone's digital wallet in front of a contactless reader for a few seconds, the NFC technology is activated, allowing the payment to be processed.
Do phones use RFID or NFC? ›
RFID chips exist in many variations, with the most common being NFC chips. Most modern smart access cards are NFC-enabled cards. What's interesting, though, is that this tech is not limited to access cards and readers: Most modern smartphones have an RFID chip inside them.
Are key fobs RFID or NFC? ›
Since key fobs use RFID technology and not nfc it is not possible to copy a key fob to an iPhone or Android via an App. The only way to copy a key fob to your smart phone is to copy it to a sticker. Once the sticker is placed on your iPhone or any smart phone it will work as a Key fob for your condo.
Do RFID blocking wallets block NFC? ›
The short answer is — yes!
Does Apple Pay use NFC or RFID? ›
When you use Apple Pay in stores that accept contactless payments, Apple Pay uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology between your device and the payment terminal. NFC is an industry-standard, contactless technology that's designed to work only across short distances.
How to tell if card is NFC or RFID? ›
RFID operates at different frequencies, such as 125 kHz or 13.56 MHz. If you have access to a specialized RFID reader, you can check the frequency of the card. NFC typically operates at 13.56 MHz.
Can an RFID card be used as an NFC? ›
Yes, an RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) card can be used as an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag. NFC is a subset of RFID technology that operates within short-range wireless communication.
Tap-to-pay is less vulnerable to credit card skimming and other types of fraud since the card itself never touches the payment terminal for a transaction. “Skimming” involves using a hidden device to read and translate credit card data when a credit card is swiped to make a purchase.
Do smart cards use NFC or RFID? ›
RFID Protocol
Every smart access card you have is built on what is known as radio frequency identification, or RFID for short.
How to tell if your credit card is RFID enabled? ›
If you're not sure whether your card is RFID enabled, you can easily check by taking a look at the card. RFID-enabled cards have a logo on the front or back of the card that looks like a Wi-Fi symbol turned on its side. This symbol is meant to represent the radio frequency used by the card to make it contactless.
Which is safer NFC or RFID? ›
While NFC isn't free from security weaknesses, it's more difficult for hackers to access than many other types of RFID because NFC sends information through magnetic field induction, and the field fades faster. However, NFC's short range can be a disadvantage in various use cases.
Do you really need RFID? ›
Is an RFID wallet really necessary? It's not really necessary to buy an RFID wallet to protect your credit cards. That's because most RFID cards have built-in protection, and many hackers prefer to avoid this type of theft because it's high risk and low reward.
Does RFID interfere with cell phones? ›
Adalberto, Regulators carefully apportion the radio frequency spectrum to avoid having one RF device interfere with another. So radio frequency identification generally is given a piece of the spectrum that will not interfere with cell phones.
Can NFC replace RFID card? ›
Replace RFID cards with NFC cards.
NFC tends to be more secure because they operate at such a short range; they need to be more practical to hack. But if you need the longer range that RFID cards provide, you can still select more secure models.
Is RFID outdated? ›
RFID is comparatively older technology but can still be relevant for supply chain management. Learn some potential logistics uses for RFID and reasons for its increased adoption. RFID might seem like old news, but the technology can still potentially improve companies' supply chain operations today.
What are the disadvantages of NFC? ›
➨It can only works in shorter distances which is about 10-20 cm. ➨It offers very low data transfer rates which is about 106 or 212 or 424 Kbps. ➨It is very expensive for the companies to adopt the NFC enabled devices. ➨It is not so advantageous for users due to complex procedures compare to other easy options.
What technology is better than RFID? ›
With the help of BLE, beacons, tags, receivers or mobile devices, you can track & monitor assets outdoor as well as indoor. BLE is less expensive than RFID. BLE preserves energy and it can run for a long time.
