RFID vs NFC: 4 differences between RFID and NFC

RFID vs NFC is actually a misnomer. In fact, many people think the technologies are competitors. This is not true. In fact, NFC is a form of RFID. On top of that, they both coexist incredibly well. There is also a large group of people who think there is no difference between them. I understand the confusion. NFC is an application of RFID, but has different properties that do make them different. Given the many misconceptions surrounding RFID and NFC, I decided to end all confusion between the two technologies through this article.

The confusion between RFID and NFC

To take a quick look at what's out there about RFID and NFC, I went surfing around the Internet. I noticed that the terms are regularly used interchangeably. This explains the confusion on the subject. Thanks to this information, many people have come to believe that the technologies are the same, but nothing could be further from the truth. They are two modes of communication exchange suitable for different purposes.

What is RFID?

RFID stands for ''Radio-Frequency idetification'' and is a technology based on radio waves. Data can be stored in the RFID chip. This data can be read by an RFID reader through the radio waves.

There are 3 types of RFID:

• Active RFID (with energy source, emits signals by itself)
• Semi-active RFID (with energy source, once a signal is received)
• Passive RFID (without an energy source, draws energy from another device)

What is NFC?

NFC is an application of RFID. RFID involves storing and transmitting data in one direction. But with NFC, this is different. Here, it involves two-way traffic. In addition, an NFC chip can process the received signals. In other words, this chip is a lot more intelligent than the usual RFID chip.

The differences between RFID and NFC

The difference is mainly in the scope and form of information exchange. Below we explain the 4 main differences.

• Distance

An RFID tag has a much longer range. The chip can travel up to 8 meters. With an NFC chip, the distance is up to 10 centimeters. This makes both tags unique and applicable for different purposes. NFC lends itself perfectly to payment transactions, but RFID to gaining access at ski elevator gates.

• Signal capabilities

An RFID chip can only be read. This is a one-way street. NFC tags, on the other hand, can both send information and be read. This makes the NFC tag more intelligent than the RFID tag.

• Reading

NFC tags can be easily read with a phone. With RFID tags, you need special equipment to do this. This makes NFC much more accessible to individuals.

• Scan

It is possible to scan multiple RFID tags simultaneously. With NFC tags, this is not possible. Therefore, in Decathlon we see that products are tagged with RFID tags so that they can all be scanned at the checkout at the same time. Should the products be equipped with NFC tags, each product must be scanned one at a time.