IronSights

Network & infrastructure

Near Field CommunicationNFC

A short-range wireless communication standard that allows devices to exchange data when held within a few centimetres of each other, commonly used for contactless payments, access cards, and mobile credential authentication.

Also known asNFCnear-field communication

In plain English

NFC is the technology behind tap-to-pay and most modern access cards. In physical security, NFC enables staff to unlock doors by tapping a card, fob, or their smartphone against a reader. Because the range is extremely short (typically under 4 cm), accidental reads are rare. Modern access control platforms like Ubiquiti UniFi Access support NFC credentials via cards, key fobs, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

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More terms in the IronSights Glossary.