Device Location from Network: Cell ID

A mobile network creates coverage by installing radio cells. Your device scans for these cells that give reception and try to connect to them. Each radio cell has its own identification number called: Cell ID.

How can you use it to localise your device?

Knowing the Cell ID gives an opportunity to 'translate' the ID to coordinates. This gives you an approximate location of your device.

Unfortunately the accuracy isn't perfect, like on CSI:Miami. In rural areas, radio cells can be several kilometers apart. But in cities, cells are usually not more than a few dozen meters apart, making it quite accurate. And a big plus, you don't need GPS in your device to get a location.

Olivia understands the benefits of making Cell ID available for customers.

There are many possibilities to get an advantage out of Cell ID.

Estimated Time of Arrival

Knowing that a shipment has arrived in a city is a create indicator of it's estimated time of arrival.

Trigger for action

When a device crosses a border, this can function as a trigger for action. Even if your device has GPS, you can save power with Cell ID. Only activating the GPS when you need a more accurate location.

Unknown locations

Sometimes companies loss track of company assets. Know it's location can identify if it's still near the company's facility.

Great, but not perfect

As we said before, Cell ID might not be perfect for every use case. But companies can have great benefit of this extra information from the network.