Sign in Subscribe

NR-RSRQ (NR Reference Signal Received Quality)

Last updated on 


NR-RSRQ, which stands for New Radio Reference Signal Received Quality, is a parameter used in 5G NR (New Radio) wireless communication systems to assess the quality of the received reference signals. RSRQ provides information about the relative strength of the reference signals and the interference level, offering insights into the quality of the radio link. Here's a detailed technical explanation of NR-RSRQ:

1. Reference Signals in 5G NR:

  • Reference signals are specific signals transmitted by the gNodeB (base station) in 5G NR networks.
  • These signals serve as pilot signals for UEs (User Equipment) to perform channel estimation, synchronization, and measurement of the radio environment.

2. RSRQ Overview:

  • RSRQ is a metric used to evaluate the quality of the received reference signals.
  • It quantifies the relationship between the power of the received reference signals and the power of the interference, including both intra-cell interference and inter-cell interference.

3. Calculation of RSRQ:

RSRQ is calculated using the following formula:

RSRQ = (N × RSRP) / RSSI

Where:

  • RSRQ is the Reference Signal Received Quality.
  • N is the number of RBs (Resource Blocks) that overlap with the reference signal.
  • RSRP is the Reference Signal Received Power, which measures the power of the received reference signals.
  • RSSI is the Received Signal Strength Indicator, which measures the total received power, including the reference signals and interference.

4. Significance of RSRQ:

  • RSRQ provides valuable information to the UE for assessing the quality of the radio link with the gNodeB.
  • It helps the UE determine whether the received reference signals are strong enough to maintain a reliable connection and whether interference levels are acceptable.

5. RSRQ Reporting:

  • UEs periodically measure the RSRQ and report it to the gNodeB.
  • The reporting frequency and configuration can be determined by network settings and may vary based on factors such as mobility and network load.

6. Interpretation of RSRQ:

  • A high RSRQ value indicates that the received reference signals are strong relative to the interference level, suggesting good signal quality.
  • A low RSRQ value suggests that the reference signals are weak compared to the interference, indicating poorer signal quality.

7. Impact on Handover and Mobility:

  • RSRQ measurements are used by the UE to make decisions related to handover (cell transition).
  • If RSRQ drops below a certain threshold, the UE may consider initiating a handover to a neighboring cell with better signal quality.

8. Use in Beam Management:

  • RSRQ measurements can also be used in beam management and beamforming. The UE can determine which beam or transmission mode provides the best RSRQ and switch to it for improved signal quality.

9. Impact on Network Optimization:

  • Network operators can use RSRQ measurements to optimize their network deployment, identify areas with poor signal quality, and adjust configurations to improve coverage and capacity.

10. Coexistence with Other Metrics: - RSRQ is one of several metrics used by UEs to assess the radio link quality. It is often used in conjunction with RSRP, SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio), and other indicators to make informed decisions.

In summary, NR-RSRQ (New Radio Reference Signal Received Quality) is a key parameter in 5G NR networks used to assess the quality of received reference signals in relation to interference levels. It plays a critical role in enabling UEs to make decisions related to handover, beam management, and overall network optimization, ultimately ensuring reliable and efficient wireless communication in 5G networks.