Cell Site Analysis, or Radio Frequency Propagation Survey (RFPS), is the technique of placing a mobile device in a specific geographical location, at a certain date and time using mobile call data records and cell surveys.

The evidence gained through the analysis of cell sites can be hugely beneficial to a case and, with thorough analysis of the Call Data Records or Call Detail Records (CDR), IntaForensics specialists can produce reports revealing the likely position and movements of the mobile device.

Mobile device usage features more than ever in our day-to-day lives, therefore the use of cell site analysis can be crucial to most investigations.  The results of the CDR Analysis can be used to show if the accused mobile device was used for calls, SMS events or data sessions at a point of interest, this may be a crime scene or alibi location.

What can our cell site analysis do?

• Conduct Cell Site Surveys (RFPS)
• Conduct Wi-Fi Surveys
• Review Historic RFPS Survey Data
• Analyse Wi-Fi Router / Access Point Logs
• Review and Analyse Call Data Records (CDR)
• Conduct Pattern Analysis on Call Data Records (CDR)
• Identify Trends and Links Between Persons Accused on Call Data Records (CDR)

With the recent and ongoing advancement in Wi-Fi calling, and Wi-Fi access points, their MAC (Media Access Control) addresses have started to appear on Call Data Records. IntaForensics provide Wi-Fi access point analysis or Wi-Fi site survey, in addition to cell site which can further narrow down the location of the mobile device movements, quite significantly in some cases.  IntaForensics’ cell site experts are highly capable of supporting law enforcement agencies and legal defence teams nationally.

In most cases CDR data is only held by the Communications Service Providers (CSP’s) for 12 months, therefore it is crucial that this data is preserved and applied for at the earliest opportunity. If cell site data or logs are to be retrieved from a mobile device, use of the device should cease immediately so that this data is not overwritten, the device should not be used until the extraction of data is complete. When a Wi-Fi router is analysed, time is of the essence. Residential Wi-Fi routers may lose data within 24/48 hours after an event.