Just as you would walk across a room full of people to have a private conversation with someone, rather than shouting across it so that everyone could hear, Near Field Communication (NFC) uses the same principle to link electronic devices. It enables the user to exchange all kinds of information, in security, simply by bringing two devices close together. Its short-range interaction over a few centimeters greatly simplifies the whole issue of identification, as there is less confusion when devices can only "hear" their immediate neighbors.

Evolving from a combination of contactless identification (RFID) and interconnection technologies, NFC technology bridges today’s connectivity gap. It enables the simple transfer of information -- from phone numbers to electronic transactions -- and allows people to interact with their environment without needing to navigate complicated menus or perform complex set-up procedures.

NFC opens up myriad new opportunities for our consumer lifestyles. It will enable people to effortlessly connect digital cameras, PDAs, set-top boxes, computers and mobile phones. With NFC it is possible to connect any two devices to each other to exchange information or access content and services – easily and securely.

Imagine seeing a poster advertising a concert with your favorite band. By flashing your mobile phone or PDA near the poster you download information about the event from a smart chip in the poster. After finding out more about the concert, you can immediately buy tickets and store them electronically on your handheld device. On the night of the concert you can access the venue without ever having the need for a paper ticket. More than just a wireless connection, NFC is a basic tool allowing you to instinctively interact with your electronic environment.

NFC – a virtual connector NFC can be used for quickly establishing other types of wireless communication between devices, acting as a virtual connector. Once two devices are in close vicinity, it can invisibly configure and initialize other wireless protocols such as Bluetooth and 802.11 (e.g. Wi-Fi), enabling devices to communicate at longer ranges or transfer data at higher rates. In an environment rich with wireless-enabled devices, NFC is the easy way to set up connections without needing to go through complicated menus.

NFC – the unique link to the contactless smart card world NFC also offers a unique link to the contactless smart card world. being compatible with the broadly established infrastructure based on ISO 14443 A, i.e. Philips MIFARE® technology, as well as Sony’s FeliCa card used for electronic ticketing in public transport and for payment applications. The reason for this is that NFC devices can operate in an active or passive mode, enabling communication with a wide variety of passive devices, like contactless smart cards or RF transponders. This feature also allows mobile devices to communicate in passive mode, saving power and extending their battery life.

The NFC Forum NFC technology – jointly developed and promoted by Philips and Sony – is a means to overcome the dizzying complexity of modern technology in our increasingly connected world. The aim for NFC is to establish the technology as an open platform offering the best benefits for everyday consumers. To achieve this goal, Philips and Sony have teamed up with Nokia to establish the NFC Forum, which will promote the implementation and standardization of NFC technology. With other companies invited to join, NFC will enable users to access content and services in an easy and intuitive way by simply touching smart objects and connecting devices just by holding them next to each other. NFC Forum

Standardization and technical details: Targeted to become a widely adapted contactless infrastructure, NFC is already standardized according to globally accepted standardization bodies, such as ISO (18092), ECMA (340) and ETSI. NFC operates in the 13.56 MHz frequency range, over a distance of a few centimeters. Operating at data rates of 106 kbits/s and 212 kbits/s, NFC is compatible with Philips’ MIFARE® (ISO 14443 A) and Sony’s FeliCa smart card protocols, respectively. However, higher transmission speeds can be achieved between dedicated NFC devices -- initially up to 424 kbits/s -- with potential for higher bit rates.