Glossary

Term Definition Type
3DESTriple DESAcronyms
3GThird GenerationAbbreviations
3GPP3rd Generation Partnership ProjectAcronyms
aAlphabeticAbbreviations
AACApplication Authentication CryptogramAcronyms
ACAlternating CurrentAcronyms
ACApplication CryptogramAbbreviations
ACAlternating CurrentAbbreviations
Access ControlThe process of granting or denying specific requests to: 1) obtain and use information and related to information processing services; and 2) enter specific physical facilities (e.g., Federal buildings, military establishments, and border crossing entrances).Definitions
Access Control ManagementThe processes and technologies for controlling and monitoring access privileges to resources, consistent with governing policies. Access management includes authentication, authorization, trust, and security auditing.Definitions
ADRApplication Decisional ResultsAbbreviations
AEEApplication Execution EnvironmentAcronyms
AEFApplication Elementary FileAbbreviations
AESAdvanced Encryption StandardAcronyms
AFLApplication File LocatorAbbreviations
AMSApplication Management SoftwareAcronyms
anAlphanumericAbbreviations
ansAlphanumeric SpecialAbbreviations
ANSIAmerican National Standards InstituteAcronyms
APDUApplication Protocol Data UnitAcronyms
APIApplication Programming InterfaceAcronyms
Application Execution EnvironmentApplication Execution Environment (AEE) supports data storage and processor capabilities and executes mobile phone services in a relatively secure manner. This fulfills mobile phone functionalities and provides basic phone functionalities and provides the user interface such as voice calling, packet communication, phonebook, browser, mailer, etc.Definitions
Application Programming InterfaceA source code interface that a computer system or program library provides in order to support requests for services to be made of it by other computer programs, and/or to allow data to be exchangedDefinitions
APSDApplication Provider Security DomainAcronyms
ARQCAuthorization Request CryptogramAbbreviations
ASKAmplitude Shift KeyingAcronyms
ATCApplication Transaction CounterAbbreviations
ATMAutomated Teller MachineAbbreviations
AUCApplication Usage ControlAbbreviations
auth.AuthenticationAbbreviations
AuthenticationThe provision of assurance of the claimed entity or of data origin.Definitions
Authentication MethodThe method used for the authentication of an entity or data origin.Definitions
Authentication MethodThe provision of assurance of the claimed entity or of data origin.Definitions
AuthenticatorA security factor used in an authentication method. Typical examples are tokens, mobile codes and passcodes.Definitions
Automatic Fare Collection SystemsA fare collection system that provides a method of processing electronic fare media through computational devices to account for a ride or access onto a public transportation system. AFC systems were intended to require little or no operator interaction.Definitions
bBinaryAbbreviations
BERBasic Encoding Rules (defined in ISO/IEC 8825-1)Abbreviations
BiometricA measurable, physical characteristic or personal behavioral trait used to recognize the identity, or verify the claimed identity, of an individual. Facial images, fingerprints, and iris scan samples are all examples of biometrics.Definitions
BluetoothShort-range (10-100m) wireless communication protocolDefinitions
BPSKBinary Phase Shift KeyingAcronyms
BSBase StationAcronyms
Byte SequenceConcatenation of hexadecimal valuesDefinitions
CConditionalAbbreviations
CACertification AuthorityAbbreviations
CACertificate AuthorityAcronyms
Card Emulation ModeCard emulation mode enables NFC devices to act like smart cards, allowing users to perform transactions such as retail purchases and transit access with just a touch. This mode is capable of functioning when the device is powered-off, although it is the service provider’s decision whether to allow this. An example is where an NFC device acts as an NFC tag.Definitions
Card Management SystemA smart card/token and digital credential management solution that is used to issue, manage, personalize and support cryptographic smart cards and PKI certificates for identity-based applications throughout an organization.Definitions
Card ReaderAny device that reads encoded information from a card, token, or other identity device and communicates to a host such as a control panel/processor or database for further action.Definitions
CASDControlling Authority Security DomainAcronyms
CCCommon criteriaAcronyms
CCDCommon Core DefinitionsAbbreviations
CCICommon Core IdentifierAbbreviations
CDCConnected Device ConfigurationAcronyms
CDDCompatibility Definition DocumentAcronyms
Certification AuthorityA Certification Authority (CA) is a trusted third party that establishes a proof that links a public key and other relevant information to its owner.
CFMSContactless Fare Media SystemAcronyms
CIBCard Issuing BankAcronyms
CLDCConnected Limited Device ConfigurationAcronyms
CLFContactless Front-endAcronyms
CollisionFor NFC-A, a collision is a superposition of a '0' and a '1' as defined in Digital Spec. For NFC-B and NFC-F, a collision is a superposition of multiple Responses, resulting in a Transmission Error.Definitions
Connection-Oriented TransportA data transmission service with sequenced and guaranteed delivery of service data units.Definitions
Connectionless TransportAn unacknowledged data transmission service with minimal protocol complexity.Definitions
Content ProviderAn entity that is the source of the content accessed via touchpoint on an NFC Smart Poster, such as a retailer that wants to sell its products illustrated on the poster, or a concert promoter that seeks to sell tickets to an event a poster advertises.Definitions
CSMACarrier Sense Multiple AccessAcronyms
Data Link ConnectionA unique combination of source and destination service access point addresses used for numbered information transfer.Definitions
DCDirect CurrentAcronyms
DESData Encryption StandardAcronyms
Digital SignageSignage that uses digital media to display the information for the user. Most commonly these are LCD/Plasma screens (such as arrivals boards at airports), and they may have either NFC tags or card emulation devices providing NFC Smart Poster functionality.Definitions
DoSDenial of ServiceAcronyms
DSAPDestination Service Access PointAcronyms
DSPDigital Signal ProcessorAcronyms
EANEuropean Article NumberAcronyms
ECCElliptic Curve CryptographyAcronyms
ECMAEuropean Computer Manufacturer AssociationAcronyms
EDGEEnhanced Data for GSM EvolutionAcronyms
EMVEuropay, Mastercard and VisaAcronyms
EMV SpecificationsTechnical specifications maintained by JCB International, MasterCard International, and Visa International to create standards and ensure global interoperability for use of chip technology in the payment industry.Definitions
EPC‚Ñ¢Electronic Product CodeAcronyms
ETSIEuropean Telecommunications Standards InstituteAcronyms
European Telecommunications Standards InstituteThe European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) produces globally-applicable standards for Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, converged, broadcast and internet technologies. ETIS is officially recognized by the European Union as a European Standards Organization. ETSI is a not-for-profit organization with more than 700 ETSI member organizations drawn from 62 countries across 5 continents world-wide.Definitions
FeliCaFeliCa is a contactless technology based on ISO18092 (212k/424k NFCIP1 Passive) [4] as the RF and on JIS X 6319-4 [5] as the command set. FeliCa is used in various commercial platforms, not only for cards but also for mobile, personal computers, and consumer electronics.Definitions
FIPSFederal Information Processing StandardAcronyms
Global System for Mobile CommunicationsGlobal System for Mobile communications (GSM) an open, digital cellular technology used for transmitting mobile voice and data servicesDefinitions
GlobalPlatformGlobalPlatform (GP) is a cross industry, not-for-profit association which identifies, develops and publishes specifications which facilitate the secure and interoperable deployment and management of multiple embedded applications on secure chip technology.nfc-admin
GPGlobal PlatformAcronyms
GPRSGeneral Packet Radio SystemAcronyms
GPSGlobal Positioning SystemAcronyms
GSMGlobal System for Mobile CommunicationsAcronyms
GSM RoamingThe ability for a customer to make and receive calls, send and receive data, or access other services when traveling outside the coverage area of their home network.Definitions
GSMAGSM AssociationAcronyms
GUIGraphical User InterfaceAcronyms
HCIHost Controller InterfaceAcronyms
HCPHost Controller ProtocolAcronyms
HDLCHigh-Level Data Link ControlAcronyms
HMACHash-based Message Authentication CodeAcronyms
HSPAHigh Speed Packet AccessAcronyms
HTTPHyper Text Transport ProtocolAcronyms
I/OInput/OutputAcronyms
ICIntegrated CircuitAcronyms
ICAOInternational Civil Aviation OrganizationAcronyms
ICTInformation and Communications TechnologiesAcronyms
IDPSIntrusion Detection and Prevention SystemAcronyms
IECInternational Electrotechnical CommissionAcronyms
IFFIdentify Friend or FoeAcronyms
International Electrotechnical CommissionInternational Electrotechnical Commission (IIEC) is the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of publication of International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologiesDefinitions
IrDAInfrared Data AssociationAcronyms
ISDIssuer Security DomainAcronyms
ISOInternational Organization of StandardizationAcronyms
ISO 14443ISO standard governing proximity smartcards.Definitions
ITUInternational Telecommunication UnionAcronyms
J2EEJava2 Enterprise EditionAcronyms
J2MEJava2 Micro EditionAcronyms
J2SEJava2 Standard EditionAcronyms
JADJava Application DescriptorAcronyms
JARJava ArchiveAcronyms
JCPJava Community ProcessAcronyms
JCRMIJavaCard Remote Method InvocationAcronyms
JCVMJavaCard Virtual MachineAcronyms
JISJapanese Industrial StandardAcronyms
JLSJava Language SpecificationAcronyms
JSPJava Community ProcessAcronyms
JSRJava Specification RequestsAcronyms
JVMJava Virtual MachineAcronyms
KDFKey Derivation FunctionAcronyms
KMAKey Management AuthorityAcronyms
KVMKilobyte Virtual MachineAcronyms
Link MIUThe maximum number of octets in the information field of any possible LLC protocol data unit.Definitions
LLCLogical Link ControlAcronyms
LLCPLogical Link Control ProtocolAcronyms
Local LLCThe LLC component running on the local device.Definitions
Logical Data LinkA combination of source and destinatino service access point addresses used for unnumbered information transfer.Definitions
MACMessage Authentication CodeAcronyms
Maximum Information UnitMaximum Information Unit (MIU) it the maximum length of the information field in a single LLC protocol data unit.Definitions
MIDPMobile Information Device ProfileAcronyms
MIFAREMIFARE is a trademark of NXP Semiconductors and refers to a series of chips used in contactless smart cards. MIFARE has been used in most of the contactless smart card fare collection projects worldwide.Definitions
MIMMan in the MiddleAcronyms
MIUMaximum Information UnitAcronyms
MMSMultimedia Messaging ServiceAcronyms
MNOMobile Network OperatorAcronyms
MNPMobile Network ProvisioningAcronyms
Mobile Network OperatorA network operator providing voice and/or data services to handset users. The mobile network operator (MNO) may own its own physical network, or it may use other network facilities in which case it is a MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator).Definitions
Mobile Virtual Network OperatorMobile Virtual Network OperatorDefinitions
Mobile Wallet (mWallet, m-Wallet)Mobile wallet refers to the functionality on a mobile device that can interact securely with digitized valuables. It includes the ability to use a mobile device to conduct commercial transactions in the physical world.A mobile wallet may reside on a mobile device or on a remote network/secure server. Alongside the ability to undertake payments, the Mobile Wallet may contain other content, such as identity, commerce and banking services, transport and other tickets, retail vouchers and loyalty programs.Definitions
Mobile Wallet Content ProviderThe mobile wallet content providers are the organizations or the brands that issue content for use in the mobile wallet. Outside Financial Services, such a provider might be known as a Service Provider. Within Financial Services, an issuing bank could be an example of a content provider.Definitions
MULTOSMulti-application Operating SystemAcronyms
MVNOMobile Virtual Network OperatorAcronyms
NDEFNFC Data Exchange FormatAcronyms
NDEF ApplicationThe logical, higher-layer application on an NFC Forum Device that uses NDEF as a means to exchange information with other NFC Forum Devices or NFC Forum Tags.Definitions
NFCNear Field CommunicationAcronyms
NFC ControllerThe NFC Controller handles the physical transmission of data over the RF interface and antenna.Definitions
NFC Data Exchange FormatThe NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) specification ensures a uniform format for data exchange in any NFC application. It defines the data structures for the exchange of information.Definitions
NFC Forum Certified DeviceA device that implements at least the mandatory parts of the NFC Forum Stack and the mandatory NFC Forum Operating Modes and has received NFC Forum certification. For more information, refer to the High Level Conformance Requirement document (HLCR).Definitions
NFC TagA contactless tag that can store NDEF information on it and can be accessed by an NFC device.Definitions
NFC-enabled deviceAn NFC-enabled device is a device that is capable of performing near field communication.Definitions
NFCIPNear Field Communication Interface and ProtocolAcronyms
NFCIP-1Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol-1Acronyms
NFCIP-2Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol-2Acronyms
OBEXObject ExchangeAbbreviations
OBEX ProtocolThe OBEX (Object Exchange) Protocol was developed by the Infrared Data Association (IrDA). It enables the exchange of data classified as objects between two entities.Definitions
OMAOpen Mobile AllianceAcronyms
Operating FieldThe radio Frequency field created by the NFC Forum Device in Poll Mode.Definitions
Operating Field OffA condition of the Operating Field when the field strength is below a well-defined threshold.Definitions
Operating Field OnA condition of the Operating Field when the field strength is above a well-defined threshold for a minimum period of time.Definitions
OSOperating SystemAcronyms
OTAOver-the-AirAcronyms
Over-the-AirOver-the-air (OTA) provisioning is the ability to download and manage content on a device over a cellular or wireless network. This applies to the over-the-air personalisation and life cycle management in the secure element in a mobile device. This process is commonly executed through the mediation of a Trusted Service Manager (TSM), employing cellular and wireless networks to reach the mobile device. Further information: EPC, GSMADefinitions
PCPersonal ComputerAcronyms
PCDProximity Coupling DeviceAcronyms
PDAPersonal Digital AssistantAcronyms
PDUProtocol Data UnitAcronyms
Peer-to-Peer ModePeer-to-peer mode enables two NFC devices to communicate with each other to exchange information and share files. Users of NFC-enabled devices can quickly share contact information and other files with a touch. Two NFC-enabled devices create a connection to share information.Definitions
PICCProximity Integrated Circuit CardAcronyms
PINPersonal Identification NumberAcronyms
PKIPublic Key InfrastructureAcronyms
POSPoint of SaleAcronyms
Protocol Data Unit (PDU)The sequence of contiguous octets delivered as a unit to the adjacent lower layer or received as a unit from the adjacent lower layer.Definitions
PSKPhase Shift KeyingAcronyms
QoSQuality of ServiceAcronyms
Radio FrequencyRadio Frequency (RF) is a rate of oscillation in the range of about 3 kHz to 300 GHz, which corresponds to the frequency of radio waves, and the alternating currents which carry radio signals.Definitions
Radio Frequency IdentificationRadio Frequency Identification (RFID)Definitions
Reader/Writer ModeReader/writer mode enables NFC devices to read information stored on inexpensive NFC tags embedded in smart posters and displays. NFC-enabled devices can access information from embedded tags in smart posters. An example is when an NFC device reads an NFC tag or device acting in card emulation mode.Definitions
Reader/WritersDevices that can read from and write to NFC tags.Definitions
Record Type DefinitionAn NFC Forum RTD (Record Type Definition) defines NDEF payload data formats and their associated type names.Definitions
Remote FieldThe radio Frequency field sensed by the NFC Forum Device in Listen Mode.Definitions
RFRadio FrequencyAcronyms
RFIDRadio Frequency IdentificationAcronyms
RoIReturn of InvestmentAcronyms
RSTReset the microprocessorAcronyms
RTDRecord Type DefinitionAcronyms
SAMSecure Access ModuleAcronyms
SAPService Access PointAcronyms
SATSIM Application ToolkitAcronyms
SCOSSmart Card Operating SystemAcronyms
SCPSmart Card PlatformAcronyms
SCPSecure Channel ProtocolAcronyms
SDKSoftware Development KitAcronyms
SDPService Discovery ProtocolAcronyms
SESecure ElementAcronyms
Secure Access ModuleSecure Access Module (SAM)Definitions
SEPSecure Exchange ProtocolAcronyms
ServiceThe capabilities and features provided to the adjacent upper layer.Definitions
Service Access PointService Access Point (SAP) is an identifying label for network endpoints used in Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) networking.Definitions
Service Data UnitService Data Unit (SSU) is the sequence of contiguous octets received as a unit from the adjacent upper layer or delivered as a unit to the adjacent upper layer.Definitions
Service Discovery ProtocolAn application protocol to discover service access point users bound at the remote LLC.Definitions
Service ProviderA service provider is the business entity providing the service in question either to end‚Äêuser or to another business entity. In mobile financial services service provider normally refers to the company providing the technology that enables the service. Outside Financial Services the term Service Provider refers to an entity with which the end-user has a relationship, such a transport provider.Definitions
Service UserThe user of a service provided by the adjacent lower layer.Definitions
Signature RTDA specification defining the record that contains a digital signature related to one or more records within an NDEF message. The signature can be used to verify the integrity and authenticity of the content.Definitions
SIMSubscriber Identity ModuleAcronyms
SMCSecure Memory CardAcronyms
SMSShort Messaging ServiceAcronyms
SPService ProviderAcronyms
SSAPSource Service Access PointAcronyms
SSDSupplementary Security DomainAcronyms
SSLSecure Sockets LayerAcronyms
STEPSecure Trusted Environment ProvisioningAcronyms
Subscriber Identify ModuleAn application on the UICC containing a mobile subscriber’s unique identity.Definitions
SWPSingle Wire ProtocolAcronyms
System on ChipSystem on ChipDefinitions
Tag Reading ModeThese are the use cases when the principal mode of operation of the handset is to read tags.Definitions
TEETrusted Execution EnvironmentAcronyms
TNFType Name FormatAcronyms
TouchpointThe place on an NFC Smart Poster that an NFC device should touch, in order to obtain digital services, usually indicated by the N-MarkDefinitions
Trusted Execution EnvironmentTrusted Execution Environment (TEE) is an execution environment that runs alongside but isolated from an REE (run-time execution environment). A TEE has security capabilities and meets certain security-related requirements: It protects TEE assets from general software attacks, defines rigid safeguards as to data and functions that a program can access, and resists a set of defined threats. There are multiple technologies that can be used to implement a TEE, and the level of security achieved varies accordingly. Further information: Global Platform.Definitions
Trusted Service ManagerA trusted service manager (TSM) is a role typical in a near field communication ecosystem, where hardware secure element is in use. The trusted service manager acts as a neutral broker that sets up business agreements and technical connections with mobile network operators, mobile device manufacturers or other entities controlling the secure element (SE) on mobile devices. The trusted service manager enables service providers (SPs) to distribute and manage contactless applications remotely by allowing controlled access to the secure element in NFC-enabled handsets.Definitions
TSMTrusted Service ManagerAcronyms
TTPTrusted Third PartyAcronyms
TTQTerminal Transaction QualifiersAcronyms
Type-Length-ValueType-Length-Value (TLV) is a coding method for parameters where the Type field specifies the parameter type, the Length field specifies the length of the parameter value, and the Value field contains the actual parameter value octets.Definitions
UIUser InteraceAcronyms
UICCUniversal Integrated Circuit CardAcronyms
UMTSUniversal Mobile Telecommunication SystemAcronyms
Universal Integrated Circuit CardUniversal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) is the smart card used in mobile terminals in GSM and UMTS networks.Definitions
Unmodulated CarrierA condition of the Operating Field With no modulation present.Definitions
UPCUniversal Product CodeAcronyms
URIUniform Resource IdentifierAcronyms
USIMUniversal Subscriber Identity ModuleAcronyms
VMVirtual MachineAcronyms
VPNVirtual Private NetworkAcronyms
WIWired InterfaceAcronyms
Wi-FiWireless FidelityAcronyms
WiMAXWorldwide Interoperability for Microwave AccessAcronyms
WKSWell-known ServiceAcronyms
WLANWireless Local Area NetworkAcronyms
WPAWi-Fi Protected AccessAcronyms
WPANWireless Personal Area NetworkAcronyms
WWANWireless Wide Area NetworksAcronyms