The Difference between RFID and NFC
DifferenceBetween.net gives a succinct definition of Near Field Communication and how it differs from Radio Frequency Identification:
“Near Field Communication, more commonly known as NFC, is a subset of RFID that limits the range of communication to within 10 centimeters or 4 inches.”
NFC is simply an evolution of specifications that originated with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and other contactless data transfer systems. NFC is a subset of RFID technology that functions at close proximity to a sensor.
To give a comprehensive historical account of NFC as a technology, it would thus be appropriate to start with a history of its primary predecessor technologies, RFID and the Felicity Card.