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What are the key differences between QR codes, NFC, Bluetooth, and RFID? How does NFC work?​

Cykeo News RFID FAQ 3940

QR codes, NFC, Bluetooth, and RFID are distinct wireless technologies with unique applications. NFC (Near Field Communication) stands out for secure, short-range interactions like payments and access control. Here’s a detailed comparison and a breakdown of how NFC operates.

​1. Technology Comparison​

​Feature​​QR Codes​​NFC​​Bluetooth​​RFID​
​Range​Visual line-of-sight (0–5 m)0–10 cm10–100 m1 cm–100 m (passive/active tags)
​Data Transfer​Static data (URLs, text)Two-way dynamic data exchangeHigh-bandwidth (audio, files)One-way ID/tracking
​Power Source​None (printed)Powered by reader (passive)Requires battery (BLE/Classic)Passive (reader-powered) or active (battery)
​Security​Low (easily copied)High (encryption, short range)Medium (pairing required)Varies (HF/UHF standards)
​Use Cases​Marketing, menusPayments, access controlWireless headphones, IoT sensorsInventory tracking, toll systems

​2. How NFC Works​

  • ​Components:​
    • ​NFC Tag:​​ Contains a microchip and antenna; stores data (e.g., payment info).
    • ​NFC Reader/Device:​​ Smartphones or terminals that generate radio waves to power passive tags.
    • ​Software:​​ Manages data exchange (e.g., Apple Pay, Cykeo’s ​​TapSecure Platform​​).
  • ​Process:​
    1. ​Initiation:​​ An NFC-enabled device (e.g., smartphone) emits a 13.56 MHz radio field.
    2. ​Tag Activation:​​ A passive NFC tag within range draws power from the field and activates.
    3. ​Data Exchange:​​ The tag transmits encrypted data (e.g., payment token) to the reader.
    4. ​Action:​​ The reader processes the data (e.g., completes a transaction).

​3. Why NFC Excels in Secure Applications​

  • ​Short Range:​​ Reduces eavesdropping risks.
  • ​Encryption:​​ AES-128 or TLS protocols protect sensitive data.
  • ​Dynamic Authentication:​​ Tokens change per transaction to prevent cloning.

​4. Cykeo’s Role in NFC Integration​

  • Cykeo’s ​​NFC Connect Suite​​ bridges NFC with legacy RFID systems, enabling hybrid solutions like:
    • Retail loyalty cards that work with both NFC phones and RFID scanners.
    • Secure access control badges compatible with NFC and UHF RFID readers.

​5. Case Study: 50% Faster Retail Payments​

A café chain reduced checkout times by ​​50%​​ using Cykeo’s NFC payment terminals, processing 300+ daily transactions with zero data breaches.

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