With the swift progression of technology, one of the latest developments to make waves is the introduction of ‘Tap to Pay for UPI’ by Google Pay, in partnership with Pine Labs. This novel feature utilizes Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable electronic transactions for users with NFC-compatible Android smartphones and UPI (Unified Payments Interface) accounts connected to Google Pay.
Unpacking NFC
NFC is an acronym for Near Field Communication – a wireless technology that lets NFC-compatible devices interact with each other and exchange data swiftly and conveniently through a simple touch. This includes activities such as paying bills, exchanging business cards, downloading offers, or transferring a file.
NFC operates by transmitting data via electromagnetic radio fields, enabling communication between two devices. Both gadgets must be armed with NFC chips as their transactions occur within a very short range. These devices need to either be physically touching each other or be within a few centimeters from each other for data transfer to occur.
The roots of NFC can be traced back to 2004 when consumer electronics companies Nokia, Philips, and Sony collectively formed the NFC Forum. The forum outlined the architecture for NFC technology, paving the way for innovative new products driven by consumers. Nokia introduced the first NFC-enabled phone in 2007.
Applications of NFC
NFC technology plays a critical role in numerous applications. It’s instrumental in contactless banking cards where it’s used to facilitate money transactions. NFC also aids in generating contactless tickets for public transport.
In the world of security, contactless cards and readers powered by NFC are used for securing networks and buildings, inventory monitoring, sales tracking, and theft prevention in automobiles. They’re even utilized in unmanned toll booths. NFC finds its place in speakers, household appliances, and other electronic devices controlled through smartphones.
The healthcare sector also embraces NFC technology, using it to monitor patient stats through NFC-enabled wristbands. NFC is also used in wireless charging.
How Safe is NFC?
Given that NFC technology is designed to operate between gadgets within a few centimeters from each other, this makes it challenging for attackers to record the communication between the devices. This puts NFC at an advantage over other wireless technologies that have a working distance of several meters.
The user of the NFC-equipped device uses a touch gesture to decide which entity the NFC communication should connect with, making it hard for the attacker to initiate a connection. The default security level of NFC communication is higher compared to other wireless communication protocols, and because the receiving device reads data instantly when one sends it, this reduces human error chances.
NFC vs. Other Wireless Technologies
NFC delivers clear advantages over other wireless technologies like Infrared, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Unlike these technologies, NFC doesn’t need the receiving device to have its power supply because of its short-range operation. This also excludes the requirement for users to configure their device and pair them together for communication. Connection can be initiated by a simple touch gesture, unlike other technologies.
Bluetooth, established in the late 1990s, allows short-range wireless communication between electronic devices. It utilizes radio frequencies, negating the need for a wire connection or maintaining a clear line of sight between devices.
Wi-Fi, similar to Bluetooth, also uses radio waves for rapid data transfer over short distances without a wire connection. Initially developed in the 1990s, Wi-Fi has gone through several standardization processes to allow for greater bandwidth in data transfer.
The Examination Perspective
Understanding these technical aspects is critical for exams like the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Previous year questions have included topics like LiFi, which uses light as a medium for high-speed data transmission, and is a wireless technology much faster than Wi-Fi. Another important topic is the difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices, with an emphasis on their usage of the frequency band. Recognizing which devices can operate between the 2.4 and 2.5 GHz range is also a key focus area.
With technology interweaving into every aspect of our lives, understanding concepts like NFC, LiFi, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi becomes instrumental. They not only shape the way we live and work but also reshape our future, offering endless possibilities for innovation and growth.
