UPSC Prelims 2015 Q32: Science & Technology – Computer & Information Technology
With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following
statements is/are correct?
1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields.
2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other.
3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.
Select the correct answer
using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields | Correct | It works at 13.56 MHz and grew out of RFID |
| 2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other | Incorrect | Range is only about 4 centimetres (10 cm at most) |
| 3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information | Correct | Payments use a secure, encrypted channel |
Uses of NFC:
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| Payments | Tap and pay with cards and phones |
| Transport | Metro smart cards |
| Identity | Access cards, e-passports |
| Pairing | Quick connection of devices |
The very short range is itself a safety feature.
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; NFC does not work at a metre.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: it is contactless and uses radio fields.
- (c) CORRECT. NFC is contactless, uses radio fields, and can use encryption.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; the range is a few centimetres.
Key point
NFC: contactless radio communication at 13.56 MHz over about 4 cm; derived from RFID; supports encryption; used for tap-and-pay.
Remember
NFC = a few centimetres, contactless, encrypted.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring the word 'Near'; a metre is not near-field.
- Confusing NFC with Bluetooth, which works over several metres.
- Thinking contactless payments are unencrypted.
Exam tip
'Near' means centimetres. Any range in metres is wrong.
Sources
- NFC Forum — About the technology
- Reserve Bank of India — Card transactions in contactless mode: relaxation in requirement of additional factor of authentication