NFC Seminar
NFC Seminar
Chapter 1
Introduction
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless technology that allows
devices to communicate with each other when they are close together. NFC is used to
enable contactless payments, data sharing, and other interactions. Near-field
communication (NFC) is a set of communication protocols that enables
communication between two electronic devices over a distance of 4 cm (1+1⁄2 in) or
less.[1] NFC offers a low-speed connection through a simple setup that can be used
for the bootstrapping of capable wireless connections.[2] Like other proximity card
technologies, NFC is based on inductive coupling between two electromagnetic coils
present on a NFC-enabled device such as a smartphone. NFC communicating in one
or both directions uses a frequency of 13.56 MHz in the globally available
unlicensed radio frequency ISM band, compliant with the ISO/IEC 18000-3 air
interface standard at data rates ranging from 106 to 848 kbit/s.
The Secure Element chip, an NFC chip that contains data such as the Secure Element
identifier (SEID) for secure transactions. This chip is commonly found in
smartphones and other NFC devices.
The NFC Forum has helped define and promote the technology, setting standards for
certifying device compliance. Secure communications are available by applying
encryption algorithms as is done for credit cards and if they fit the criteria for being
considered a personal area network.
How it works
NFC tags are small devices that contain an NFC chip. They can be stickers or
badges that are embedded into everyday objects.
NFC readers are devices that have an NFC chip and can read or write
information to NFC tags. Smartphones are a common type of NFC reader.
To use NFC, you hold your NFC reader close to an NFC tag. The reader will
detect the tag and may prompt you to open a URL.
What it can do
Contactless payments: You can use NFC to make payments without touching
a terminal.
Data sharing: You can use NFC to share small amounts of data between
devices.
Access control: You can use NFC to interact with RFID-enabled cards, such
as transit cards and room keys.
Device interaction: You can use NFC to interact with other enabled devices,
such as computers, speakers, and smartwatches.
NFC modes
Passive mode: Allows one-way communication, where an NFC device
retrieves data from another.
Active mode: Allows mutual communication between two NFC devices.
Read/Write mode: Allows applications to transmit messages, but this mode is
not secure.
NFC Card Emulation mode: Allows an NFC-enabled device to behave like a
standard smartcard.
The communication takes place between an active “initiator” device and a target
device which may either be:
Passive
The initiator device provides a carrier field and the target device, acting as a
transponder, communicates by modulating the incident field. In this mode, the target
device may draw its operating power from the initiator-provided magnetic field.
Active
Both initiator and target device communicate by alternately generating their own
fields. A device stops transmitting in order to receive data from the other. This mode
requires that both devices include power supplies.
Every active NFC device can work in one or more of three modes:
NFC reader/writer
Enables NFC-enabled devices to read information stored on inexpensive NFC
tags embedded in labels or smart posters.
NFC peer-to-peer
Enables two NFC-enabled devices to communicate with each other to
exchange information in an ad hoc fashion.
NFC tags are passive data stores which can be read, and under some
circumstances written to, by an NFC device. They typically contain data (as of
2015 between 96 and 8,192 bytes) and are read-only in normal use, but may be
Chapter 2
History Of NFC
NFC is rooted in radio-frequency identification technology (known as RFID) which
allows compatible hardware to both supply power to and communicate with an
otherwise unpowered and passive electronic tag using radio waves. This is used for
identification, authentication and tracking. Similar ideas in advertising and industrial
applications were not generally successful commercially, outpaced by technologies
such as QR codes, barcodes and UHF RFID tags.
• May 17, 1983: The first patent to be associated with the abbreviation “RFID” was
granted to Charles Walton.
• 1997: Early form patented and first used in Star Wars character toys for Hasbro.
The patent was originally held by Andrew White and Marc Borrett at Innovision
Research and Technology. The device allowed data communication between two
units in close proximity.
• March 25, 2002: Philips and Sony agreed to establish a technology specification
and created a technical outline. Philips Semiconductors applied for the six
fundamental patents of NFC, invented by the Austrian and French engineers Franz
Amtmann and Philippe Maugars who received the European Inventor Award in 2015.
• December 8, 2003: NFC was approved as an ISO/IEC standard and later as an
ECMA standard.
• 2004: Nokia, Philips and Sony established the NFC Forum
• 2004: Nokia launched NFC shell add-on for Nokia 5140 and later Nokia 3220
models, to be shipped in 2005.
• 2005: Mobile phone experimentations in transports, with payment in May in Hanau
(Nokia) and as well validation aboard in October in Nice with Orange and payment
in shops in October in Caen (Samsung) with first reception of “Fly Tag”
informations.
• 2006: Initial specifications for NFC Tags.
• 2006: Specification for “SmartPoster” records.
• 2007: Innovision’s NFC tags used in the first consumer trial in the UK, in the Nokia
6131 handset.
• 2008: AirTag launched what it called the first NFC SDK.
• 2009: In January, NFC Forum released Peer-to-Peer standards to transfer
contacts, URLs, initiate Bluetooth, etc.
• 2009: NFC first used in transports by China Unicom and Yucheng Transportation
Card in the tramways and bus of Chongqing on 19 January 2009, then implemented
for the first time in a metro network, by China Unicom in Beijing on 31 December
2010.
• 2010: Innovision released a suite of designs and patents for low cost, mass-market
mobile phones and other devices.
• 2010: Nokia C7: First NFC-capable smartphone released. NFC feature was enabled
by software update in early 2011.
• 2010: Samsung Nexus S: First Android NFC phone shown
• May 21, 2010: Nice, France, launches, with “Cityzi”, the “Nice City of contactless
mobile” project, the first in Europe to provide inhabitants with NFC bank cards and
mobile phones (like Samsung Player One S5230), and a “bouquet of services”
covering transportation (tramways and bus), tourism and student’s services.
• 2011: Google I/O “How to NFC” demonstrates NFC to initiate a game and to share
a contact, URL, app or video.
• 2011: NFC support becomes part of the Symbian mobile operating system with the
release of Symbian Anna version.
• 2011: Research In Motion devices are the first ones certified
by MasterCard Worldwide for their PayPass service.
• 2012: UK restaurant chain EAT. And Everything Everywhere (Orange Mobile
Network Operator), partner on the UK’s first nationwide NFC-enabled smartposter
campaign. A dedicated mobile phone app is triggered when the NFC-enabled mobile
phone comes into contact with the smartposter.
• 2012: Sony introduced NFC “Smart Tags” to change modes and profiles on a Sony
smartphone at close range, included with the Sony Xperia P Smartphone released the
same year.
• 2013: Samsung and VISA announce their partnership to develop mobile payments.
• 2013: IBM scientists, in an effort to curb fraud and security breaches, develop an
NFC-based mobile authentication security technology. This technology works on
similar principles to dual-factor authentication security.
• October 2014: Dinube becomes the first non-card payment network to introduce
NFC contactless payments natively on a mobile device, i.e. no need for an external
case attached or NFC ‘sticker’ nor for a card. Based on Host card emulation with its
own application identifier (AID), contactless payment was available on Android
KitKat upwards and commercial release commenced in June 2015.
• 2014: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile released Softcard (formerly ISIS mobile
wallet). It runs on NFC-enabled Android phones and iPhone 4 and iPhone 5 when an
external NFC case is attached. The technology was purchased by Google and the
service ended on March 31, 2015.
• September 2015: Google’s Android Pay function was launched, a direct rival to
Apple Pay, and its roll-out across the US commenced.
• November 2015: Swatch and Visa Inc. announced a partnership to enable NFC
financial transactions using the “Swatch Bellamy” wristwatch. The system is
currently online in Asia, through a partnership with China UnionPay and Bank of
Communications. The partnership will bring the technology to the US, Brazil, and
Switzerland.
• Ultra-wideband (UWB) another radio technology has been hailed as a future
possible alternatives to NFC technology due to further distances of data
transmission, as well as Bluetooth and wireless technology.
Chapter 3
Advantages of NFC
Advantages of NFC:
1.Convenience
NFC enables quick and seamless transactions by simply tapping or
bringing devices close together (e.g., contactless payments,
ticketing).No need for manual pairing or setup.
2. Security
NFC transactions often involve encryption and tokenization, making
them secure.Physical proximity (a few centimeters) reduces the risk of
unauthorized interception.
3. Versatility
NFC can be used for various applications, including payments, access
control, data transfer, ticketing, and loyalty programs.
5. User-Friendly
Easy to use, as users only need to tap their device or card near an NFC
reader.Eliminates the need for physical buttons, swiping, or inserting
cards.
7. No Internet Required
NFC can operate offline, making it reliable in areas without internet
connectivity.
8. Improved Efficiency
Reduces transaction times, especially in crowded environments like
9. Cost-Effective
NFC tags are inexpensive to produce and can be used in various
industries for marketing, logistics, and inventory tracking.
Chapter 4
Near Field Communication (NFC) has become a crucial technology in today’s world
due to its ability to enhance convenience, security, and sustainability across various
sectors. One of its primary roles is facilitating a cashless economy by enabling
digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay, which allow for faster, safer, and
more hygienic transactions. This is particularly important in a post-pandemic world,
where reducing physical touchpoints is essential for public safety and hygiene.
NFC’s short operational range and use of encryption and tokenization ensure secure
transactions, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and data theft. Additionally,
NFC powers smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT) by enabling seamless
communication between devices, such as public transportation systems, smart home
devices, and industrial automation tools, while also contributing to sustainability by
reducing paper usage and energy consumption. Its versatility simplifies daily life,
allowing users to make payments, unlock doors, share data, and check into events
with a simple tap. NFC also supports digital transformation by driving innovation in
industries like healthcare, retail, and hospitality, where it enhances patient care,
customer experiences, and operational efficiency. Furthermore, NFC’s global
connectivity ensures seamless interactions in travel, commerce, and communication,
making it an indispensable technology in our fast-paced, interconnected world. By
combining convenience, security, and efficiency, NFC continues to play a vital role
in shaping a smarter, more sustainable future.
Digital Wallets: NFC supports the growing adoption of digital wallets like
Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay, enabling faster, safer, and more hygienic
payments. This is particularly important as the world moves towards cashless
economies.
Global Transition: NFC plays a vital role in the global shift towards cashless
transactions, reducing the reliance on physical currency and improving transaction
efficiency.
Secure Access Control: NFC technology is used in workplaces and public areas
to provide secure access control, minimizing physical contact and enhancing safety.
Smart Urban Systems: NFC is a key enabler of smart cities, streamlining public
transportation through seamless ticketing and connecting everyday objects to the
internet.
Convenience: NFC makes interactions faster and easier. Tasks like making
payments, unlocking doors, sharing data, and checking into events are now hassle-
free.
User-Friendly: The “tap-and-go” nature of NFC eliminates the need for complex
setups or manual operations, making it accessible to everyone.
Healthcare: NFC enables secure access to medical records, device pairing, and
patient tracking, improving patient care and data accuracy.
Hospitality: NFC offers contactless check-ins and room access, providing greater
convenience for guests.
Energy Efficiency : NFC consumes less energy than other wireless technologies,
making it an eco-friendly option.
Chapter 5
Case Studies
In public transportation, London’s Oyster Card system uses NFC to streamline fare
collection, allowing commuters to tap in and out of buses and trains seamlessly,
while integrating with mobile wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay for added
convenience. In retail, Tesco’s implementation of NFC-enabled payment terminals
has enhanced the checkout process, leading to faster transactions and increased
adoption of digital wallets among shoppers. The healthcare sector has also
benefited, with the University Hospital in Essen, Germany, using NFC-enabled
wristbands to improve patient identification accuracy and secure access to medical
records. In hospitality, Hilton Hotels’ digital key program allows guests to unlock
rooms using NFC-enabled smartphones, bypassing traditional check-in processes
and enhancing guest satisfaction. Event ticketing has been revolutionized at the
Coachella Music Festival, where NFC-enabled wristbands replaced paper tickets,
eliminating counterfeiting and enabling cashless payments. In banking, Standard
Chartered’s NFC-integrated mobile wallet in Asia has increased digital payment
usage while improving security through tokenization. Educational institutions like
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have adopted NFC-enabled student ID
cards for access control, library services, and cashless payments, streamlining
campus operations. Retail marketing in Japan has seen success with NFC-enabled
smart posters, which engage customers by providing promotions and product
information, boosting sales and data collection. Automotive innovation is
exemplified by Tesla’s NFC key cards, which allow owners to unlock and start their
cars with a tap, offering convenience and enhanced security. Finally, in logistics,
DHL’s use of NFC-enabled tags on packages has improved tracking efficiency and
reduced handling errors. These case studies demonstrate how NFC technology
drives convenience, security, and innovation across diverse applications,
transforming industries and enhancing everyday life.
NFC technology has been successfully implemented across various industries,
demonstrating its versatility and impact. Here are some notable case studies:
Integration with Mobile Wallets : The system integrates seamlessly with mobile
wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay, enhancing user convenience.
Cost Reduction : The program reduced costs associated with physical keycards
and increased guest satisfaction.
Security : The wallet improved security with tokenization, reinforcing the bank’s
reputation for innovative solutions.
Increased Sales : The initiative led to higher in-store sales and valuable
consumer data collection.
Convenience and Security : Tesla introduced NFC-enabled key cards that allow
owners to unlock and start their cars with a tap, offering convenience and enhanced
security.
Chapter 6
1. Eavesdropping
Risk : Malicious actors can alter the data being transmitted between NFC
devices, leading to incorrect transactions or data loss.
Risk : In a relay attack, an attacker uses two NFC devices to intercept and relay
information between a legitimate card and payment terminal, resulting in
unauthorized transactions.
4. Device Malware
Mitigation : Only tap on trusted NFC tags and devices, and keep your device’s
software updated.
Risk : Attackers can use NFC readers to steal payment card details by skimming
information from an NFC-enabled card or device without user consent.
6. Loss of Device
Risk : Attackers can use fake NFC signals to overload or disrupt the
functionality of NFC-enabled devices or systems.
2. Enable NFC Only When Needed : Disable NFC when not in use to
minimize unauthorized access.
By being aware of these threats and adopting security measures, users can safely
utilize NFC technology in daily life.
Chapter 7
Conclusion
Conclusion: The Role and Importance of NFC
Near Field Communication (NFC) has emerged as a transformative technology
in today’s digital age, offering unparalleled convenience, security, and
versatility. Its applications extend across numerous industries, enhancing daily
life, driving innovation, and supporting the shift toward a more connected and
cashless world.
Enhancing Security
Supporting Sustainability
By enabling paperless transactions, digital tickets, and reusable NFC tags, the
technology contributes to reducing environmental impact. Its energy-efficient
nature further supports global sustainability efforts.
Final Thoughts
Chapter 8
References