Mobile communication networks deploy various techniques for measuring the geographical locations of communication terminals. Such techniques are used, for example, for providing Location Based Services (LBS) and emergency services in cellular networks.
Some communication interception systems masquerade as base stations and log the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) numbers of communication terminals in their area. Such systems are commonly known as “IMSI catchers” or “active off-air interrogation systems.”
PCT International Publication WO 2010/116292, whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference, describes a system for obtaining information relating to an idle mobile station in a cellular network. The system generates and sends at least one input signal through a radio network controller to a radio access network, and identifies in data outputted by the radio network controller an output signal resulting from the input signal.
Network Measurement Report (NMR) is a process in which a mobile communication terminal measures and stores signal strengths of neighboring base stations. NMR information is used, for example, for determining when to hand-off a mobile station from one base station to another.