NFC vs Bluetooth vs Wifi Direct: Comparison, Advantages and Disadvantages

Regardless of technological difference between NFC, Bluetooth or Wifi Direct all three are wireless data transfer technologies. You can also check out our Bluetooth, HiperLan, IEEE 802.11 comparison.

Bluetooth with ability to establish a Personal Area Network (PAN) is the most famous among them and has become a defecto standard for wireless pairing of nearby device and accessories.

The Near Field Communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi Direct are also quite old but both have recently gained popularity after being incorporated by large smartphone manufacturing companies like Samsung, HTC, and Sony.

For the ease and knowledge of our readers we are comparing the deference of NFC, Bluetooth and WiFi technologies.

We will start with the brief description of each and then moving towards the NFC vs Bluetooth vs Wifi Direct comparison, uses, pros and cons. We will try our best to make it as useful and understandable as possible:

NFC Advantages and Disadvantages

The NFC (Near field communication) is a data transfer technique and is the type of the wireless communication with short range. The data is transferred in the form of beam by touching the two things together. A single wave or beam helps to transfer the data between two devices within the range of 4 centimeter. It helps to transfer the data at much faster rate.

Applications of NFC (Near Field Communication)
There are wide range of applications of the NFC in the field of commerce, social networking and in smartphones. It is just like the Android beam.

1. NFC technology helps in the contact-less payment systems. It also allows the mobile payments. The NFC enabling devices also allows the Master card payments.
2. It also allows user to share the files, video’s and photos in social networking situations. Multi-player mobile games can also be played with the help of this.
3. It allows the user to share contacts and other important files.

NFC Advantages

1. It is easy to use. Only a simple touch is needed between the devices in order to transfer the data.
2. It is versatile and can be used for the transferring of payments in bank cards. It can also be used for video games.
3. As it uses the short range for the transfer of data. It helps to maintain the security of data by minimizing the theft.

NFC Disadvantages

1. A certificate is required for using the NFC technology. Consumers cannot facilitate with this technology until or unless company incorporate it in the devices.
2. Due to the investment risk, companies are not using it as it is an expensive technology.
3. It can only transfers the data between the compatible devices i.e. for the transfer of data it is necessary that both the devices must have NFC technology in them.

Bluetooth Technology Advantages and Disadvantages

Bluetooth is the widely known wireless way of communication or data transfer technology. This is the alternative technology of data cables. Radio transmission was the foundation of this technology. The users can transfer the data with the help of it.

Applications of Bluetooth technology
There are wide ranges of applications of the Bluetooth technology as this technology is quite old and people are well aware of this technology. It is built into the number of devices such as laptops, mobile phones and in many medical and health care devices. Users can do the wireless communication with the help of it.

1. It helps to do the wireless communication between the laptops and desktop computers.
2. It is also used in the keyboards, mikes and in printers.
3. It is widely using in the mobile phones as it helps them to connect with the other devices such as PDA’s 9Personal Data Assistant) and laptops.
4. It is now using is the wireless remote controls of many video games.

Bluetooth Advantages

1. This technology is quite old and people are aware of this technology so it is very easy to use.
2. Companies can easily incorporate this technology into their devices as it is quite inexpensive.
3. The versions of the Bluetooth are easily upgradeable.

Bluetooth Disadvantages

1. Data theft may occur because of the long distance for the transfer of data.
2. When installed, viruses or bugs might be downloaded with it.
3. It is limited in its transfer of data. It does not enable the transfer of data more than two devices.

Wi-Fi Direct Technology Advantages and Disadvantages

Wi-Fi Direct is another wireless communication and data transfer technology. WiFi direct helps to establish the connection between two devices without using any router or Wi-Fi connection. Devices can exchange data without the use of internet connection. It is a certified technology. It helps to share the files that are heavy in size and share them with the faster rate.

Wi-Fi Direct Applications

1. It has many applications. It is used to share the heavy files at a faster rate.
2. It is also providing the wireless connections to the peripherals such as keyboards, mice, headsets, controls, speakers.
3. It is also using in the smartphones and the portable devices.

Wi-Fi Direct Advantages

1. No internet connection or router is required for sharing files with the help of the Wi-Fi Direct. It is portable.
2. This technology is developing the new ways of data transfer. It is the instant way of transferring the data.
3. It shows the user when there is any connection available and thus easy in use.
4. It is the protected setup and helps in the transfer of data with security.

Wi-Fi Direct Disadvantages

1. As this technology is new, many users have found bugs in this technology.
2. It has limitation as it does not support the iPhones.
3. An owner is needed in order to establish the connection with other devices and as soon as the owner leaves the group the connection disables.