What is NFC technology and how does it work?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a standard for wirelessly transferring files and exchanging information between devices. It became available for commercial use at the beginning of the 21st century and, although it did not gain as widespread approval as Bluetooth, it is widely used in smartwatches, smartphones and printers.

The principle behind this technology is similar to that of infrared and Bluetooth. It is a wireless, contactless method of exchanging data based on a radio standard. Unlike its competitors, NFC operates over a short distance of around 20 cm, which is why it is an excellent substitute for, for example, a bank card.

The NFC protocol in smartwatches uses the high frequency of 13.56 MHz and the 2 GHz band to transmit information. Depending on the technology used, throughput can range from 106 to 848 kbit per second.

Data is transmitted using the unlicensed ISM radio band, which is also widely used in the medical and industrial sectors.

NFC technology in watches is mainly associated with contactless payments. However, this standard can also be used on phones to transfer media, such as photos or music, in a way similar to Bluetooth.

Technologically, NFC is an extension of the RFID concept, familiar, for example, from the “tokens” used to open gates on housing estates or enter apartment-building stairwells. Communication takes place through the magnetic induction of the antenna loops in both devices, with at least one of them having to generate an electromagnetic field.

Advantages of NFC technology in smartwatches

A major advantage of data transmission is its lightning-fast speed. Exchanging information between devices usually takes less than one second. This is comparable to the time achieved by a contactless payment card.

Another advantage is the short range of the waves’ “effect” on the surroundings. Limiting the range of NFC in a smartwatch to 20 cm increases the security of your data. You do not have to worry about unauthorized people intercepting it.

Near-field communication technology does not require power, and the average waiting time for establishing a connection is less than 0.1 seconds, compared with just under 6 seconds for Bluetooth 2.1.

Finally, an NFC smartwatch does not need to be paired with a terminal. Simply unlock the function on the watch, hold it against the other device and you are ready. Set up a virtual wallet and you will not have to carry cash or a bank card with you.

Is NFC technology safe?

Watches equipped with NFC modules supporting Garmin Pay have a number of safeguards that protect against unauthorized transactions. Before adding the first card, the application asks you to enter a PIN for the virtual wallet. The four-digit security code must be entered before each payment session is launched.

Moreover, if the transaction is not completed within a specified time, one minute, the payment panel will be locked and the entire transaction will have to be repeated from the beginning.

An additional convenience is biometric verification. If the watch detects the user’s pulse, a payment can be repeated without entering the password again.

If the watch is stolen or lost, all cards can quickly be removed from the virtual wallet’s memory. Simply select the appropriate command in the application.

In practice, therefore, NFC in a smartwatch seems safer than a traditional payment card, since we wear the device on our wrist almost all the time.

Which watches have an NFC module?

You will find an NFC module for wireless payments, among others, in the following Garmin watches:

  • Venu, Venu Sq and Venu 2 series – versatile sports smartwatches equipped with a high-quality color display
  • Fenix 6 series – advanced outdoor watches designed for long expeditions
  • Forerunner 945 and 745 watches – heart-rate monitors for experienced runners, equipped with extensive sports features
  • Enduro watches – watches for ultramarathon runners and enthusiasts of truly long trips
  • Vivoactive 4 series – smartwatches with sports features and GPS
  • Tacticx Delta series – heart-rate monitors designed for soldiers and members of special forces.

NFC technology is only just gaining popularity in Poland, but more and more people are recognizing its potential. The ability to pay with a watch will save you time and make life easier, while your money will be as safe as ever!