The proprietary %NCELLMEAS command starts cell search and measurements and reports the channel parameters with a result notification when the measurements are finished. The results can be used, for example, in cellular-based positioning services.v1.3.x
When using search types 0–2, the results contain parameters from the serving cell and optionally up to 17 neighboring cells. Neighboring cell measurements are available during a data or signaling RRC connection only when the network has configured measurement rules for the device and the configured criteria is met. If neighboring cell measurements have been active before the connection, measurement results from RRC IDLE state are available in RRC CONNECTED state for 10 s after the last measurement in RRC IDLE state has passed.
With search types 0–2, the measurements in RRC IDLE state are based on generic configurations from the network and radio conditions. Usually, measurements are not performed in RRC IDLE state during good radio conditions unless they are requested with the %NCELLMEAS command. If the network configures RRC CONNECTED state measurements, measurement results from RRC IDLE state are cleared before the 10 s has passed.
When using search types 3–5, Global Cell ID (GCI) can be used to acquire cell ID, Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), and Type Allocation Code (TAC) for the surrounding Enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC) or Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) cells limited by the <gci_count> parameter. The GCI searches can require a substantial amount of time, especially with high <gci_count> values.v1.3.x≥4
With all search types, search time can be limited by using the %NCELLMEASSTOP command to stop the measurements and return the results collected by the time when the measurements are stopped.