Discreet

Reduce radio emissions that invite unwanted attention and have harmful impacts on others

With more and more devices broadcasting permanently over Bluetooth, WiFi, or other technologies, discretion has value. Permanently emitting radio signals is like putting up signs that tell any dishonest, malicious, or curious person about an open door. And, increasing evidence that the permanent presence of radio emissions is at least irritating, and perhaps harmful, makes reducing these emissions all the more important.

NFC tags communicate when powered by the presence of an active NFC device (i.e. a mobile phone, or a reader). They have no advertising signal. They only work when the active device is within 3 cm. This proximity requires that the user have knowledge of, and access to the NFC appliance, thus reducing opportunities for hackers.

NFC tags can also be configured to wake-up another wireless connection on an appliance, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. When the user's mobile is within 3 cm of an appliance's NFC tag, the NFC application secures the communication with an exchange of encryption keys, opens the desired radio channel, and pairs the communicating devices. When not paired with a mobile, the appliance's Bluetooth, or WiFi channels do not emit an advertising signal, or use any power.