The Nordic-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 mode are available in connected mode for 10 seconds after the last measurement in idle mode has passed.
With search types 0–2, the measurements in idle mode are based on generic configurations from the network and radio conditions. Usually, measurements are not performed in idle mode during good radio conditions unless they are requested with the %NCELLMEAS command. If the network configures connected mode measurements, measurement results from idle mode are cleared before the 10 seconds 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, it is possible to limit the search time by using the %NCELLMEASSTOP command to stop the measurements and return the results that have been collected when the maximum time allowed by the application has expired.