What is NFC commonly used for in technology?

NFC, or Near Field Communication, is primarily used for communication between two electronic devices at short distances. This technology enables devices to exchange information when they are brought into close proximity, typically within a few centimeters. It is widely employed in applications such as mobile payments, where a smartphone can communicate with a payment terminal by simply tapping the two devices together.

The short-range characteristic of NFC is what distinguishes it from other wireless communication technologies, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which can operate over greater distances. This limitation also contributes to its security features, as the close proximity required to establish a connection minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.

High-speed data transfer typically refers to other technologies, such as USB connections or Wi-Fi, which are designed for transferring large amounts of data rapidly over longer distances. Connecting devices with a maximum cable length pertains to wired communication standards, like USB or Ethernet, where physical connections are made with defined cable lengths. Broadcasting signals over long distances is mainly associated with technologies like radio waves or cellular communication, which allow for communication over much larger ranges than NFC can support.