Does an NFC networking ring need an internet connection?

The ring and the web page do different jobs

Android describes passive NFC tags as drawing power from the reader's field. That means the tag does not need a rechargeable battery to present its stored data. It does not mean every destination behind the tag works offline.

A networking ring commonly stores or exposes a URI that points to a profile. The phone can detect that URI at close range, then the browser or an app handles it. Treat those as two steps when explaining the experience.

Sources: Android Developers: passive NFC tags · Android Developers: NFC basics

What connectivity changes

If the destination is an online profile, the phone needs a usable data connection to retrieve it unless the page happens to be cached. A weak venue network can therefore produce a successful tag notification followed by a slow or failed page.

The ring should not be described as broadcasting a complete live profile through the air. The benefit of a URL destination is that information behind it can be updated without replacing the physical object; the trade-off is dependence on the destination and connection.

Sources: Ping Ring: official product information

Plan the event fallback

Before an event, open the profile on cellular data as well as venue Wi-Fi. Keep the direct URL available in a message draft and consider a QR presentation of the same public destination. These alternatives still need connectivity if they point to the same online page.

Do not ask a new contact to change security settings or join an unfamiliar network simply to receive your details. If the page will not load, exchange the preferred contact detail directly and return to the conversation.

• Tag power: supplied by the reader field for a passive tag.
• Tag detection: depends on compatible hardware, settings, and positioning.
• Profile loading: usually depends on a reachable destination and connectivity.
• Fallback: share the same public URL or a mutually agreed contact detail.