CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)Mobile DevicesEasy
A user wants to quickly pay for a purchase by tapping their smartphone against a payment terminal. Which wireless technology enables this short-range contactless transaction?
- ABluetooth
- BNFC
- CWi-Fi Direct
- DInfrared
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. NFC
NFC (Near Field Communication) allows two devices to exchange data when held within a few centimeters of each other, making it ideal for contactless payments and tap-to-pair accessories.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Bluetooth has a much longer range and requires pairing, not a simple tap.
- C. Wi-Fi Direct connects devices directly over Wi-Fi but isn't used for tap payments.
- D. Infrared requires line-of-sight and is largely obsolete for this purpose.
NFC (Near Field Communication)
A short-range wireless technology (a few cm) used for contactless payments, tap-to-pair, and data exchange.
- Range under ~4 cm
- Used in mobile payment apps like Apple Pay/Google Pay
- Also used for tap-to-pair Bluetooth speakers/headphones
Memory trick: NFC = 'Near Fast Cash' — tap and pay