The NFC Forum and Thread Group announced Wednesday that they have formed an official partnership by signing a liaison agreement. The goal of the agreement is to provide a new Internet of Things (IoT) user interface experience (UX) by using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology when installing and configuring a device to a Thread network.
The organizations plan to collaborate on how NFC technology can be deployed as part of the IoT device installation, configuration and commissioning process on a Thread network.
Thread is a low-power wireless mesh networking protocol, based on the universally supported Internet Protocol (IP), and built using open and proven standards that can advance and accelerate adoption of IoT.
Thread enables direct, end-to-end, secure and scalable connectivity between IoT devices, mobile devices and the internet in smart homes and smart buildings.
Thread was designed to support a range of applications in homes and buildings, such as appliances, access control, climate control, energy management, lighting, safety, and security.
NFC technology complements Thread by providing consumers easy, secure two-way wireless interactions between electronic devices, access to digital content and the ability to perform contactless transactions with a single tap of a smartphone.
“NFC technology provides a straightforward, intuitive and secure way to install and configure devices to a Thread network by ‘tapping’ an IoT device directly to an NFC-enabled gateway or registered NFC smartphone,” said Sujata Neidig, vice president of marketing, Thread Group. “NFC is included in many smartphone platforms today, providing a direct out-of-band commissioning mechanism for smart home and smart building uses.”
“NFC technology is a key enabler allowing for the connectivity, commissioning and control of devices while providing the most intuitive, easy-to-use consumer interface,” said Paula Hunter, executive director, NFC Forum. “The NFC Forum’s IoT Special Interest Group will be working closely with the Thread Group to deepen the relationship between the two organizations.”
