Sign in Subscribe

RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power)

Last updated on 


RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) is a parameter used in cellular networks to measure the power level of the reference signals transmitted by base stations (also known as eNodeBs or cell towers) to mobile devices. RSRP is an important metric for evaluating the signal quality and coverage of a cellular network.

Here is a detailed explanation of RSRP:

  1. Reference Signals (RS): In LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and 5G networks, base stations periodically transmit reference signals. These signals serve as synchronization and reference points for mobile devices. The reference signals are transmitted in specific resource blocks and subcarriers within the frequency spectrum allocated to the base station.
  2. Measurement Process: The mobile device performs measurements to determine the power level of the received reference signals. It scans and samples the radio frequency (RF) environment to extract the reference signals from the received signal.
  3. Reference Signal Power Calculation: Once the reference signals are detected, the mobile device calculates the received power level of the reference signals. The received power is measured in decibels referenced to one milliwatt (dBm) or decibels referenced to the picowatt (dBp). RSRP is expressed in dBm.
  4. Measurement Area: RSRP is typically measured over a specific measurement area, which can vary depending on the network configuration and standards. The measurement area is defined as the cell-specific reference signal (CRS) resource elements (REs) in the frequency domain, and subframes in the time domain.
  5. RSRP Value Interpretation: RSRP provides an indication of the strength of the received signal from the serving cell. A higher RSRP value generally corresponds to a stronger received signal and better signal quality. Conversely, a lower RSRP value indicates a weaker signal, which can lead to issues such as dropped calls, slower data speeds, or poor call quality.
  6. RSRP Thresholds: Cellular network operators define specific thresholds for RSRP to classify the signal quality and determine various network-related functions. For example, different thresholds may be used to trigger handover (switching the connection from one cell to another) or to determine if a cell is suitable for initiating a new call or data session.
  7. RSRP Mapping: RSRP values are often represented using a color-coded scale or signal strength bars on mobile device screens to provide a visual representation of the signal strength. These representations help users assess the signal quality and determine the best location for improved reception.
  8. Signal Quality and Coverage: RSRP is a crucial parameter for evaluating the signal quality and coverage of a cellular network. By measuring RSRP values at different locations within the network coverage area, network operators can identify areas with weak signal strength and take corrective measures such as deploying additional base stations or optimizing antenna configurations to improve coverage.

It's important to note that RSRP is just one of several parameters used to evaluate the performance of cellular networks. Other parameters like RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), SINR (Signal-to-Interference plus Noise Ratio), and CQI (Channel Quality Indicator) provide additional insights into signal quality, interference levels, and data transmission capabilities.