NearFi Technology NearFi is a contactless real-time transmission technology from Phoenix Contact. It allows the transmission of power and data across an air gap of a few centimeters. With protocol-independent and latency-free Ethernet communication, it offers flexible application options for all Ethernet protocols up to 100 Mbps.
NearFi – communication in real time
Full duplex transmission of all Ethernet protocols
Full duplex transmission, i.e., simultaneous transmission in both directions, is required in order to transmit real-time Ethernet protocols.
NearFi uses two 60 GHz connections (one uplink and one downlink) in parallel on separate frequency bands in order to enable full duplex mode.
This means that the technology is also suitable for future developments, such as TSN, OPC UA, etc.
Interference-free communication using 60 GHz technology
Powerful 60 GHz technology
NearFi uses modern 60 GHz wireless technology that was specifically developed for short distances and high data rates. The range is intentionally limited to a few centimeters. This enables targeted, controlled, and interference-free communication.
Coexistence without interference: Thanks to local near-field transmission, NearFi does not interfere with existing wireless technologies such as WLAN or Bluetooth. At the same time, the system itself remains immune to electromagnetic interference, even in demanding industrial environments. Multiple NearFi systems can be operated in parallel without interfering with one another.
Your advantages:
- Efficient, directional transmission without signal loss
- No wireless overload or performance drops
- High data rate for real-time applications
- Increased security through locally contained signals
- No frequency planning or specialized knowledge required
Bit-oriented transmission is latency-free
Bit-oriented transmission
NearFi uses a synchronous, bit-oriented transmission method. This allows contactless communication in real time, meaning that every Ethernet protocol is transmitted immediately.
All other radio transmission technologies to date rely on packet-oriented transmission. This always leads to considerable latency, as packets are first received, then repackaged and sent wirelessly. The wireless packet must be received at the receiver end, unpackaged, and output again. This process involves many asynchronous and latency-causing operations, which are completely eliminated by NearFi innovative transmission technology from Phoenix Contact.
Inductive power transmission via magnetic field
Inductive power transmission
Power transmission up to 50 W is inductive. The base coupler generates a magnetic field via a coil, which is induced in the coil of the remote coupler. The active control system always selects the optimum parameters for transmission and enables constant power transmission over the entire working range.
Reduced attack surface through physically limited, non-IP-based data transmission
Cybersecurity – secure from the ground up
With NearFi, security does not result from additional software complexity; rather, it is already built into the transmission principle. Communication that is intentionally limited to the local area and is not IP-based minimizes the potential attack surface and avoids the typical vulnerabilities of traditional network systems. This enables secure, stable, and easily integrable data transmission without the need for traditional IT security measures.
In summary, by doing away with traditional network layers, a completely new, clearly defined security approach emerges.
Your advantages:
- Minimal attack surface due to local, non-IP-based communication
- Security directly at the physical level – without additional protection mechanisms
- No configuration required for the network, IT, or protocols
- High reliability due to robust, low-interference transmission
- Easy to integrate and ideal for secure, future-proof applications
