Sign in Subscribe

NR-RSRP (NR Reference Signal Received Power)

Last updated on 


NR-RSRP (New Radio Reference Signal Received Power) is a crucial measurement parameter used in 5G (fifth-generation) wireless communication systems. It quantifies the received power of reference signals transmitted by the base station (gNodeB) and plays a vital role in determining the quality of the radio link between the user equipment (UE) and the gNodeB. Here's a detailed technical explanation of NR-RSRP:

1. Reference Signals (RS):

  • In 5G networks, reference signals (RS) are specific signals transmitted by the gNodeB that serve as known signal patterns.
  • They are used by UEs to estimate the characteristics of the radio channel and the quality of the received signal.

2. Purpose of NR-RSRP:

  • NR-RSRP is a metric that represents the received power level of these reference signals at the UE.
  • It is a key parameter for measuring the signal strength and quality of the radio link.

3. Measurement in dBm:

  • NR-RSRP is typically expressed in decibels relative to milliwatts (dBm).
  • It quantifies the power level in dBm, where 0 dBm is equal to 1 milliwatt.

4. Measurement Reference Point:

  • The reference point for NR-RSRP measurement is the UE's antenna or receiver.
  • It indicates the power level of the received reference signals at the UE's antenna input.

5. Impact on Link Quality:

  • NR-RSRP is one of the key factors used to assess link quality between the UE and the gNodeB.
  • It provides information about the signal's strength as received by the UE.

6. Signal Strength Variation:

  • NR-RSRP values can vary based on the distance between the UE and the gNodeB, obstacles in the signal path, and interference.
  • Lower NR-RSRP values indicate weaker signal strength, while higher values indicate stronger signals.

7. Reporting and Measurement Periodicity:

  • UEs periodically measure NR-RSRP values for the reference signals transmitted by the serving gNodeB.
  • These measurements can be reported to the network for various purposes, such as cell selection, handover decisions, and link adaptation.

8. Multiple Antennas and Cells:

  • In scenarios with multiple antennas and cells, the UE may measure NR-RSRP for reference signals from different antennas and cells to assist in antenna and cell selection.

9. Thresholds and Handover Decisions:

  • NR-RSRP measurements are used to make decisions regarding cell handovers.
  • When NR-RSRP drops below a certain threshold, the UE may initiate a handover to a different cell with stronger signal strength.

10. Interference and Noise Considerations:

  • NR-RSRP measurements can be affected by interference and noise in the radio environment.
  • Lower signal-to-noise ratios may result in lower NR-RSRP values.

11. Network Optimization:

  • NR-RSRP measurements play a crucial role in network optimization, helping operators identify areas with poor coverage and make adjustments to improve signal quality.

12. Real-Time Monitoring:

  • NR-RSRP measurements provide real-time information about the quality of the radio link, enabling the network to adapt to changing channel conditions.

In summary, NR-RSRP (New Radio Reference Signal Received Power) is a fundamental measurement parameter in 5G wireless communication systems. It quantifies the received power level of reference signals at the UE's antenna input, providing critical information about the signal strength and quality of the radio link. NR-RSRP measurements are used for cell selection, handover decisions, network optimization, and real-time monitoring of radio link quality in 5G networks.