Difference Between RFID and NFC

RFID vs NFC

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a tagging technology that is gaining widespread attention due to the great number of advantages that it offers compared to the current tagging technologies being used today; like barcodes. Near Field Communication, or more commonly known as NFC, is a subset of RFID that limits the range of communication to within 10 centimeters or 4 inches.

RFID uses radio frequency waves that are either passive, active, or a combination of both. Active RFID tags have a power source that helps extend their range even further while passive devices rely on the energy that it receives from the interrogating device to send its own information. Among the advantages of RFID is the very small size of the tag that made it possible to be used with small products or to be hidden away neatly. Another excellent advantage is that it doesn’t need a direct line of sight for the information to be read. This is very desirable in baggage tracking application where speed is very essential.

RF waves are used to transmit information across very long distances, and RFID is no different. The RF waves can reach very long distances especially when powered. This kind of range is very desirable in certain applications like animal tracking where the animal being tracked might move a couple of kilometers. But this type of range is not desirable in applications like cash cards or passports. Malicious people can receive your information and clone it into another tag and use it for themselves. This is where NFC comes in.

Objects that are tagged with NFC are usually passive because it does not require that much range. Some have even employed shielding to further reduce the chance of other people being able to read the information. The shielding became necessary when it was discovered that even non-powered tags can still be read over 10 meters away with specialized equipment. Currently, some mobile phones are being equipped with NFC so that they can be used as a cash card of sorts since almost all people carry mobile phones anyway.

Summary:
1.NFC is just an extension to RFID technology
2.RFID is capable of accepting and transmitting beyond a few meters while NFC is restricted to within 4 inches
3.RFID has a wide range of uses while NFC is usually used in cases where security is needed
4.Some mobile phones are equipped with NFC

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