Sign in Subscribe

5G NR Measurements: RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ and SINR

Last updated on 

5G New Radio (NR) measurements play a crucial role in determining the quality and strength of the radio signal. Here's a technical breakdown of the terms RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and SINR:

  1. RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power):
    • Definition: RSRP represents the power level of the downlink reference signals transmitted by the 5G base station as received by the user equipment (UE) or device.
    • Technical Details: RSRP is measured in dBm (decibel-milliwatts). A lower RSRP value indicates weaker signal strength, while a higher value suggests stronger signal strength. RSRP provides an indication of the quality of the serving cell. The value is typically reported on a per-frequency basis.
  2. RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator):
    • Definition: RSSI is a measurement of the received signal strength from all serving and neighboring cells. Unlike RSRP, which focuses on reference signals, RSSI provides a broader view of the overall signal strength.
    • Technical Details: Similar to RSRP, RSSI is also measured in dBm. RSSI can be influenced by multiple factors, including interference from neighboring cells, noise, and other environmental factors. It provides a general indication of the signal strength at the UE, irrespective of the specific cell.
  3. RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality):
    • Definition: RSRQ provides information about the quality of the received reference signals relative to the interference and noise level.
    • Technical Details: RSRQ is calculated as the ratio of RSRP to the RSSI, typically expressed in dB. Mathematically, RSRQ = RSRP / RSSI. A higher RSRQ value suggests better quality, as it indicates that the received reference signal is stronger relative to the overall received signal strength. RSRQ helps in assessing the level of interference and noise in the network. It provides insights into the quality of the received signal compared to the total received power.
  4. SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio):
    • Definition: SINR measures the ratio of the received signal power to the sum of interference and noise power. It provides a metric to evaluate the quality of the received signal in the presence of interference and noise.
    • Technical Details: SINR is expressed in dB. A higher SINR value indicates a better quality of communication link, as it suggests that the received signal power is significantly higher than the interference and noise level. SINR takes into account not only the signal strength but also the quality concerning interference and noise. It is a critical parameter for assessing the overall performance and efficiency of the communication link.

RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and SINR are essential metrics in 5G NR networks to evaluate and monitor the quality, strength, and interference levels of radio signals. These measurements help network operators and engineers optimize network performance, enhance user experience, and troubleshoot potential issues.