THE FASCINATING COMMUNICATION
NFC devices communicate on a message and reply concept, generating a low frequency radio wave field in the 13.56 MHz spectrum. NFC works with
1. Initiator and
2. Target
Each NFC enabled device can either be an initiator or a target. A target by itself cannot start communication without an initiator starting it, and a single initiator can message to multiple target devices, though not at the same time.

With a passive device being only a target for data, the selective messaging means that targets cannot broadcast, whereas an active device is capable of playing both roles which are sending and receiving data at the mandatory rate of 106 kbps, or optional rates of 212 kbps, or 424 kbps.

It is more likely that NFC becomes more popular than the 802.11 and Bluetooth technology as NFC uses a chip rather than a battery which implies that NFC enabled devices would be connecting innumerable RFID tags and smartcards, which don’t require power.

PROVIDES GREAT LEVEL OF SECURITY
Since NFC requires very close proximity between devices to initiate communication, intercepting the signal becomes very difficult, so the technology does possess an inherent level of security. The close proximity of the card to the reader helps limit unintended communication, while deliberate threats in the form of eaves dropping, data modification, corruption, and insertion are all being researched. It really is of important place in the application of contact-less payment, eliminating the need for handing over a credit card to be swiped, thereby reducing fraud op-portunities.

THE STANDARD TAG
NFC is an approved (Ecma-340, ISO/IEC 18092) short-range connectivity standard. The ISO 14443 protocol ensures interoperability of contactless or proximity smart cards in close proximity with a reader antenna. Consisting of four parts, the protocol standard specifies physical characteristics, radio frequency interface power and signal interface, initialization and anti-collision, and transmission protocols. All four parts are required for full ISO interoperability. Two communication protocols are recognized by the ISO standard based on how power is transmitted from the card to the reader enabling custom solution to be built using cards, readers, and a variety of software. The standardization means the specification is kept open and accessible for everybody, facilitating analysis of the protocol and adaptation of devices to new roles.

WORLD OF OPPURTUNITIES
NFC holds numerous possibilities arise owing to the modes of communication. Public transport will become easier, Mobile commerce with NFC reduces the hurdles arising out of existing processes and systems. NFC enabled mobile phones can be used to read RFID tags in billboards or smart posters and get information while on the move which opens gates for the advertising sector as well. It will be a good option for electronic tickets, electronic money, travel cards, identity documents, and even electronic keys. The potentiality of NFC is enormous, yet as a technology it is still not well known. As more and more consumers lap it up, the popularity of the technology will enable many applications and services to be developed around it.