Prelims 2015 · archive
EasyWith 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.
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct, so the answer is (c). NFC is a contactless technology in which inductively coupled devices communicate through a radio-frequency field at 13.56 MHz. It works only when devices are less than about 10 cm apart, nowhere near a metre. It supports secure communication, with sensitive data such as payment credentials protected cryptographically.
- ✓ 1. NFC (ISO/IEC 18092) uses inductively coupled devices operating at 13.56 MHz. They exchange data through a radio-frequency electromagnetic field without any physical contact.
- ✗ 2. NFC is designed for communication between devices less than about 10 cm from each other. A distance of a metre is far beyond its design range.
- ✓ 3. NFC is built for secure wireless communication. Sensitive operations such as payment or access credentials are handled cryptographically inside a hardware-secured element rather than in ordinary application software.
Remember · NFC: contactless, 13.56 MHz, inductive RF field, range of only a few cm (under about 10 cm), and it can use cryptographic protection for sensitive data.
Sources
- IEEE Technology Navigator – Near field communication ↗ · reference work “The ISO/IEC 18092 standard and NFC Forum specifications define protocols for secure element interaction, in which sensitive cryptographic operations for payment or access credentials are performed inside a hardware-secured enclave rather than in application software.”
- EUIPO Anti-Counterfeiting Technology Guide (2021) – NFC ↗ “NFC technology is a set of communication protocols for secure wireless communication between electronic devices less than 10 cm from each other.”
- ISO/IEC 18092:2004 Near Field Communication – Interface and Protocol (NFCIP-1), preview ↗ · reference work “defines communication modes for Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol (NFCIP-1) using inductive coupled devices operating at the centre frequency of 13,56 MHz for interconnection of computer peripherals.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2015, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·