RFID technology is used in many of the security badges used by corporations and other entities.

NFC was developed to facilitate the same pop in of transmission between two devices.

Active vs. NFC devices, on the other hand, have two configs: active and passive.

A shopper using Apple Pay at Target

Apple Inc.

In active mode, an NFC-enabled unit generates a radio field, allowing for two-way communications.

In passive mode, the NFC rig must rely on an active rig for its power.

Such a setup saves consumers the time and inconvenience of entering credit card details and helps ensure accuracy.

Apple Inc.

NFC vs. Bluetooth

Why do we need NFC whenBluetoothalready exists?

Another issue is range.

NFC uses a short range that typically does not extend more than a few inches from the receiver.

This keeps power consumption low and helps ensure security because a third-party scanner would have difficulty intercepting data.

Bluetooth, while still short-range, can be used at ranges up to 30 feet.

Transmitting over such a distance requires more power and increases the chance of being hacked.

If an area is saturated with these devices, transmission problems can occur.

NFC uses a different radio frequency, so interference is not likely to be an issue.

Should You Get a Laptop With NFC?

If your current computer doesn’t have built-in NFC support, the next one you buy probably will.