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■ 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.
