What are Rfid and NFC? | Nokia 3220 specification

■What are RFID and NFC?

RFID

RFID technologies use radio waves to automatically identify individual objects. The most common method of identifying objects using RFID is to store a serial number that identifies the object on an RFID tag, and attach the tag to the object.

The RFID tag is able to transmit the information it contains to an RFID reader device. The RFID reader is a short-range device (reading range 0-5 cm) and it converts the radio waves returned from the RFID tag into a format that can then be passed on to an application in the phone.

To transmit data from the RFID tag to the RFID reader, Nokia NFC shell uses the radio frequency 13.56 MHz, which is the most widely used globally available frequency for RFID.

NFC

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range radio frequency technology that evolved from a combination of contactless radio frequency identification (RFID) and interconnection technologies. By emitting a short-range radio signal, the NFC device supplies power to an otherwise inactive tag, allowing the device to read the tag or write data to the tag's memory. Operating over a distance of only very few centimetres, it allows users to read small amounts of data from tags, as well as to communicate with other devices, by a simple touch.

When touching a tag, the NFC device reads the data stored on the tag, and initiates the appropriate action after the user's confirmation. For example, it will open a web page, call a favourite number, or send an SMS. Small items such as web links can also be shared by touching another NFC device.