Near Field Communication (NFC) as the name suggests means a short range communication between two or more compatible devices. This process requires at least one device to transmit the signal and another receiving the signal. Several devices can use the NFC and can be considered as active or passive, based on how the device operates.
Active devices are capable of sending and receiving data and can communicate easily with each other. Smartphones are good example of the technology.
Passive devices include small transmitters and tags that can send information to other NFC devices without requiring a power source of their own. Unfortunately, they cannot connect to other passive devices and cannot process information sent from other sources.
While knowing how this technology works seems like a great idea, how exactly will it benefit you? If you are considering upgrading to an NFC enabled device, it is important to learn its advantages and disadvantages. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of NFC technology.
The Pros of NFC
Easy to use
The main benefit of NFC is that it is easy to use. No need to dig through your wallet or carry countless credit cards. No more losing movie tickets. Also, no more individual reward cards from multiple stores. Rather than carrying a card for every store, load them into your smartphone. The reward points and coupons go straight to your account without ever removing out the card.
Versatility
One of the most essential aspects of near field communication technology is its versatility. Ease of use and flexibility is enough to convince users to switch to the technology. Customers can do many things with NFC. For example, they can buy and load movie tickets to their phones, check out at a store, board a subway, etc. This means that customers have everything that they need at their fingertips.
Security
If your physical wallet is stolen, the thief has access to all your IDs, debit cards, credit cards and other essential documents. Storing this data all in one place on your phone may sound quite dangerous at the beginning. However, your phone provides a safer environment than your wallet can. While you can password protect your smartphone, you cannot password protect your physical wallet. In addition to this, Near Field Communication uses data encryption when sending sensitive data between devices. This prevents other people from stealing that sensitive information.
Cons of NFC
Not all companies have integrated NFC into their businesses
This means that NFC cannot be used everywhere. If the business has refused to integrate the technology into their business, it means that customers will not be able to use it. Therefore, they will be forced to carry their physical wallets with them.
Security
Though NFC technology is considered to be secure, it is important to note that customers’ phones are vulnerable to hacking, too. As more and more people are becoming reliant on of their mobile phones, those phones have become like handheld computers. And just like computers, they also become susceptible to virus. Hackers will want to gain access to these small computers because they know that they contain some very essential data – all in one device.
Costly
NFC is not as cheap as people think. It is an expensive technology and smaller businesses may not have the funds available to invest in it. For example, hiring the NFC expert and additional employees to handle this new technology could cost a business an arm and a leg.
Conclusion
While NFC is an exciting technology, it is imperative to understand its pros and cons before integrating it to one’s life or in one’s business. More businesses are integrating with this upcoming technology and it does seem it is the new method for transferring information.
