Final answer:
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless connectivity technology especially designed for secure interactions with consumer electronics, cell phones and credit cards, working within a few centimeters to enable secure contactless payments.
Step-by-step explanation:
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a very short-range wireless connectivity technology designed for consumer electronics, cell phones and credit cards. It allows for communication between devices by inducing a magnetic field at microwave frequencies, perfect for secure transactions like contactless payments with smartphones. While other technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth also operate using microwaves for wireless communications, NFC is distinguished by its exceptionally short range which enhances its security aspect for transactions.
Rather than covering large distances like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, NFC is designed to work when two devices are brought into close proximity, typically a few centimeters. This ensures that data is exchanged only when the user intends to make a connection. NFC technology is becoming increasingly common in mobile phones and contactless payment cards, providing a quick and secure method to perform transactions.