Cell site analysis
Definition
The use of records from mobile network operators showing which cell towers a device connected to and when, allowing investigators to establish the approximate geographic location of a device at specific times. Accuracy depends on cell density: urban areas with many small cells give finer resolution than rural areas with large cells.
Related terms
- Chain of custody
- The documented chronological record of who collected, handled, transferred, and examined a piece of evidence. For digital evidence, chain of custody includes...
- IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)
- A unique 15-digit number permanently assigned to a mobile device's hardware. Used by networks to identify and block stolen devices, and by...
- Logical acquisition
- An extraction method that uses the device's own operating system interfaces, such as iTunes backup or Android Debug Bridge, to export the...
- Packet capture (PCAP)
- The interception and recording of network packets as they traverse an interface. The raw data is stored in PCAP format and analysed...
- Physical acquisition
- An extraction method that reads the raw flash storage of a mobile device, bypassing the operating system. Produces a bit-for-bit image of...
Explained in
- Mobile and Network Forensics: Scope and DisciplineThe use of records from mobile network operators showing which cell towers a device connected to and when, allowing investigators to establish the approximate...