How to make nfc function. What is NFC
Hello dear readers of this blog. In this article I will talk about interesting NFC technology. Many have already heard about this new product, but it was announced in 2004. The opportunity is most often used in smartphones based on Android or iOS, but there are many other devices where the technology is used, we will also talk about this.
NFC (Near field communication) – translated as “short-range non-contact communication”. There are several definitions. Used to provide communication between devices over a short distance, originally intended for contactless transactions. The actual distance for interaction is 10 cm.
We’ve talked about the definition, now let’s move on directly to analyzing all the nuances, history and places of use.
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How NFC works
It would seem that the function is very different from other wireless models, and is also inferior to them. The principle of NFC operation is that a device with a built-in module of this technology operates at a speed of approximately 400 Kbps (obviously inferior to Wi-Fi), interaction occurs at a distance of 10 cm, that is, you practically touch the devices to each other, although time connections are usually instantaneous.
The NFC module is very compact, so it can be built into not only smartphones, but also watches. It doesn't consume a lot of energy. For the module to work in the desired direction, the device must have an antenna. On phones it is usually on the back. Thus, touching the devices should provide instantaneous contact. If the device is large in size, for example, a tablet, then it is more difficult to find the point of interaction.
As for security, the creators didn’t think about it at all. Security must be implemented at the device level where the NFC module is used. In other words, if you use a payment system, then you don’t have to worry about the security of making payments. If your phone is lost or stolen, you will be to blame if you have not set at least a minimum level of protection as an unlocking device, for example, a pattern key, a fingerprint scanner or a PIN code.
Of course, the difference between NFC technology and other wireless solutions is that the technology is essentially a script, unlike Bluetooth, which clearly states that it must receive and receive data, or be able to connect with headphones and other devices. In NFC, various methods can be created independently, which will be implemented using software. In short, give free rein to your imagination and you can create a lot of interesting things.
By the way, I never said that the NFC function was created based on RFID identification. Usually these are so-called tags that allow you to automatically identify a device using a radio signal. This feature allows you to communicate with both active devices (that run on batteries) and passive ones (that do not require power).
What is the peculiarity of the technology and where is it used?
When it comes to smartphones, there are several applications for this type of device:
- Use as a payment system (linking credit cards, gift and discount cards);
- Transfer data between two devices (let me remind you, the distance between devices is at least 10 cm);
- Use as user identification;
- Bluetooth connection for data transfer;
- Reading RFID tags to obtain information, for example, from bulletin boards.
As already mentioned, NFC is most often used in smartphones and tablets running iOS. The thing is that we almost never part with our phone, so the integration of wireless technology was aimed primarily at mobile devices.
In the future, NFC technology will be used not only in mobile phones, but also in electronic keys, with a unique identifier, perhaps one that cannot be faked, when purchasing airline tickets, and indeed any tickets in general, and many other options.
Door locks and handles
By the way, now you don’t have to worry about losing the key to open the door, because there is a handle that has wireless high-frequency communication technology built into it. With any device (for example, a telephone), you can enter a corresponding tag that will open the door when presented. You can look for such a thing in Chinese online stores like Aliexpress.
Surprisingly, there are so-called smart locks. They not only have a key hole, but also a built-in NFC module. It can send a notification to your phone when you open the door (or someone tried to do so), as well as when someone knocked. The lock can be connected via a network and controlled remotely. You can make electronic keys with built-in tags and distribute them to all family members or even friends.
NFC ring, what is it and how to use it
As already mentioned, if you have any thing with an NFC module, you can record almost any information. For example, you have a special ring. Using it, you can transfer contact information and do not need to carry all sorts of cards with you. It can also be used to open the same locks.
If there is no electricity in the house (and the lock is powered from it or from batteries), then the door can be opened with a key. In this case, you should play it safe and always carry the key with you when you leave.
Contactless payment
I have already written about this type of use of the above technology. Now in almost all cities of Russia, at least in one store, there is an ATM or reader that allows you to do so. You just need to link the card to an application such as Android Pay or Samsung Pay.
Fare payment
The same NFC will help you pay for the metro or go through the turnstile. To pay, you will need a special SIM card that supports this technology. Most likely, most operators now support it, but you’d better check.
Finally, you can use NFC in jewelry; some manage to integrate it into tattoos, for example, to unlock a smartphone.
News on NFC Forum
Along with the development, a forum was founded where developers are trying to promote the technology in various household solutions, and smartphones, of course.
On the resource you can find the necessary information about NFC and news, most likely related to the compliance of standards in some devices.
What about security in devices with NFC
The use of various methods of unauthorized access to data via NFC has already been repeatedly mentioned. For example, in 2012, an exploit was created that allows you to insert malicious code into a smartphone and gain full access to everything that is in it, including managing the device.
If an attacker has the necessary antennas, then there is a chance to listen to a person via NFC; of course, with some skill, you can achieve wiretapping at a distance of a few meters maximum. An important fact is that a device powered by energy is easier to listen to than a passive version.
Through experiments, a disruption in the communication of devices was identified by jamming the signal. A radio signal is known to be very easy to distort, and the RFID module is very sensitive to this.
Why can't I use Bluetooth to perform the operation?
Bluetooth differs from NFC in that it has a long range, which makes the signal easy to intercept, as well as a short access time. NFC communicates with the device almost instantly.
NFC – which phones have it and how to enable it
I'll show you using an Android phone as an example. When purchasing, you probably read the characteristics of the smartphone, and there was probably a line “NFC support” there. If you don't remember, you can look it up in the system settings.
To begin, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. It is quite possible that you will see an “NFC” option there.
If there is no function in the notification shade, then go to settings. I have Android 7.1.2 with the LineageOS shell, so I’ll show you with an example. In the section " Wireless networks» click on the button « More».
We are in a section where the NFC subsection is displayed, where you can enable it. There is also an Android Beam function that allows you to exchange data between devices and contactless payment, where you can choose the main payment method.
How to use tags with an Android device
First, you need to find NFC tags. They can be used to run any Android application. For example, you are sitting behind the wheel, and it is not convenient for you to search for the right application every time and take your attention from the road. This is where a tag comes to the rescue; when you attach it to your smartphone, the application will instantly launch.
To write the necessary data to the tag, you need to download the NFC ReTAG application. Using it, you scan the tag, and then select the application that you want to launch when you bring it to your smartphone.
How to transfer files via NFC
Now touch the phone where you want to send the file and wait. In fact, this data transfer option is much inferior to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but if you need to transfer some top-secret data, then a short range and minimal probability of interception will ensure this.
In addition to standard file transfer using Android Beam, you can transfer:
- Open link in the browser;
- Data from Google Maps (of a specific route or location);
- Contacts – sent without a photo;
- Applications from Google – a link is sent;
- Any types of files - from text to media.
Creating marks
To create tags you will need a blank; the form factor can be to suit every taste. Regular round tags can be purchased both in Russia and on the Internet, for example, on Aliexpress for 80 rubles.
Now you can install the application on your smartphone (do we need to somehow write the information onto the tag?). I might suggest TagInfo or TagWriter.
The second utility can write the necessary data to the tag, we will need it today. The first one reads the information. You can write down anything, but since the tag has a very small volume (usually in bytes), some data, such as contacts, cannot always be recorded. More precisely, the contact itself will be recorded, but the photo attached to it will not. In future articles, I will show you how to create an NFC tag using the mentioned application.
That's all, now you know what NFC is, what phones have it and why it is used at all. It can be quite helpful in everyday life. If you have any questions, be sure to post in the comments.
Articles and Lifehacks
Content:Surely many users have previously encountered the abbreviation NFC.
We will talk about what NFS is in a mobile phone, as well as the features of using this useful function on Android.
NFC - what is it?
NFC can be deciphered as “near field communication”, or “contactless near communication”.This is a special modern wireless communication technology, thanks to which it becomes possible to exchange information at high radio frequencies between devices at a short distance (about 10 centimeters).
In this case, physical contact between two phones is not required.
Previously, this technology was most widely used for contactless payments in the field of trade and transport services. Today it is known for its active penetration into the mobile field.
Almost every famous device equips its devices with NFC modules.
Thanks to this, we can use our mobile phone to communicate with various electronic equipment - for example, when we use it as a means of payment by installing a special program.
At the same time, the level of data protection is quite high.
Thus, our mobile device today can be used not only as a means of communication, but also for transmitting and receiving information, paying for purchases and purchasing transport tickets.
We have the right to make it a virtual payment card, or a pass to any enterprise.
In addition, it is very convenient to use NFC tags and smart cards, as well as quickly exchange information.
Contactless: what is NFC and how can a programmer work with it?
Using NFC
There are many possibilities for using NFC:
- Card emulation mode allows you to use this technology for contactless payments, such as Google Wallet, or to pay or receive tickets on public transport.
- There are several mobile applications that allow you to save settings for a mobile device on tags and later use them to quickly change any settings of a mobile device (switching to vibrate mode, turning Wi-Fi on or off on a mobile device).
- Devices that support NFC are gradually appearing on the market - stereo systems, TVs, which allow you to pair them with a phone or tablet for remote control.
- NFC is used in the healthcare system to store patient ID and personal records.
- In the field of inventory management, NDEF records can be used to store information about the place of departure of goods, their passage through various intermediate points, and the like.
Conclusion
NFC technology adds promising functionality to RFID technology. The most significant innovation is the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF), which provides the ability to format conventional data into one of four NFC tag technologies. NDEF can be used for both device-to-tag and device-to-device communication. This makes NFC suitable not only as an identification method, but also as a means of exchanging short blocks of data.
All current Android smartphones have the top line of the screen literally filled with all sorts of symbols. Many of them are clear, familiar, and even useful: the notification panel informs you about new email messages, file downloads, the availability and quality of telephone and WiFi networks, battery charge level, etc. However, sometimes a mysterious letter N appears there, causing some suspicious users to feel slightly uneasy.
In this article we will talk about the function that is designated in Android devices by this very letter N, as well as how to disable it, and why you can do it right now.
What does the N symbol mean and what is NFC?
On the Android notification panel, an intricately designed letter N appears as a sign that the smartphone (or tablet) has turned on the NFC module. NFC - near field communication - is a technology through which two nearby mobile devices can exchange data (sorry for such a simplified definition).
You've probably already heard about this technology and even seen it in action. In developed democracies, NFC is used everywhere: for example, in mobile payment systems (the most famous among us are Android Pay and Samsung Pay) - this is when you can do it directly from a smartphone, smart bracelets and other smart devices. In addition, via NFC you can transfer any other data from one smartphone to another.
How to disable NFC in an Android smartphone (and take the N icon from the notification panel)?
This one is simple. Most likely, in your Android you will find the option to disable NFC directly in the quick settings menu. That is, we swipe across the screen from top to bottom, and in the drop-down menu, somewhere next to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth symbols, we find an icon in the form of the same letter N as in the notification panel, with a caption next to it and, if the function is active, tap on it to turn it off.
If you didn’t find the letter N in the quick settings of your smartphone, then open the normal settings, then click “ More… " in the section " Wireless networks " and in the subsection " Transfer files and data » turn the NFC option switch to the « position Off ", after which the N symbol will disappear from the notification panel.
To disable or not to disable NFC?
Frankly speaking, at present there is practically no real benefit from NFC for the vast majority of Android users. Well, as we already said, you can transfer photos or other files from one smartphone to another. Contactless mobile payment systems have not yet enjoyed such significant popularity among the population and, there is a suspicion that they will not be used for quite some time. The mentioned Android Pay and Samsung Pay, despite their very successful debut in the States, will not come to our shores anytime soon.
So, if you are not in an American store right now, you can safely turn off the NFC function in your Android smartphone and thus save its battery power.