There was a sweet old time, not so long ago though, when we used to transmit data from one end to another, or to say, from one phone to another by first copying the data on a desktop PC and then transferring it to the other phone. I still remember myself doing this but it was really hectic and felt too boring and time taking at times.
But then surfaced a wireless technology in 1994, Bluetooth, to save us from those tedious moments, thanks to Ericsson. And today, I must say it’s the age of wireless technology that facilitates us to transfer data speedily without having to need those tangles wires.
Here I am going to draw a mild picture of two wireless technologies by comparing their basic functions and standards, and few other things.
NFC and Bluetooth
Before I thought to put my words into this topic I was reading out some material and I saw the terms like “NFC vs Bluetooth”. In my opinion, though both technologies share some of their functionalities but they have different use as Bluetooth is more mature than NFC. So, I cannot justify the “versus” word.
Near Field Communication (NFC) first appeared in Nokia 6131, after Nokia, Sony, and Philips formed standards for NFC in 2004. Back then NFC was anonymous to everyone and Bluetooth was making its foothold in the consumer market. But it gained more popularity when Samsung decided to embed this technology into its Galaxy Nexus S.
NFC uses certain standards of communication and data exchange formats based on RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). It develops radio communication with other NFC enabled devices to perform certain tasks.
Bluetooth, on the contrary, that was introduced in 1994 quickly got adopted by users due to its many advantages.
Facts About Bluetooth
Bluetooth holds particular advantages over NFC as it has matured over the years. Bluetooth Special Interest Group, which manages the technology, has tightened the security in the wireless technology so one with extreme abilities of intrusion would be able to disrupt the ongoing connectivity between two or more Bluetooth enabled devices.
Bluetooth transmits the data at the speed of 2,000,000 bits per second and its range to transfer data is almost 5 meters.
In order to connect via Bluetooth devices need to go through a formal search that can take seconds of wait, at times these moments can be very irritating when you’re in hurry to transfer some important data. That is a little shortcoming of this wireless technology combined with its soaking up the energy of the device it is used in.
Bluetooth v4.0, aka Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), addresses this issue of energy consumption effectively.
Where NFC Scores Over Bluetooth
NFC powered devices can transfer images, videos, and maps just like a Bluetooth enabled device. But having NFC in your mobile phone means you can make payments, or pay bills with this wireless technology in any public place you’re visiting, such as hotels and restaurants. NFC is a handy alternative to credit and debit cards.
Due to NFC your device contains unique data of yours that makes it function like a virtual wallet. A tap, or placing your mobile phone in required proximity will do things for you. Unlike Bluetooth, NFC devices can quickly develop contact in less than a second.
Some drawbacks inherited with NFC include the security concerns. Some experts say due to the short range data transfer capability of NFC intrusions aren’t possible. But with an RFID jammer and a special antenna any novice can interrupt the ongoing transaction. One factor that is needed to be addressed.
Data transfer speed via NFC is also lower than Bluetooth. The recorded speed is 424,000 bits per second.
Concluding Remarks
NFC requires more stringent protocols to become a flawless wireless technology that is safer for payment as well. On the other hand, Bluetooth is older than NFC and it is evolving rapidly than its rival tech.
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