How Do You Fix Low RSRP?
Let Me Explain You the Basics
Today, we are going to understand how to fix low RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power). Low RSRP indicates weak signal strength in a cellular network, which can cause poor connectivity and slow data speeds. I’ll walk you through the reasons behind low RSRP and how you can improve it.
What Is RSRP?
RSRP stands for Reference Signal Received Power.
It is a key metric used to measure the strength of the signal received by a mobile device from a cell tower in LTE networks. RSRP indicates how well your device can “hear” the network. The higher the RSRP, the better the signal quality. A low RSRP means weak signal strength, which can lead to dropped calls, slow data speeds, and poor overall network performance.
Why Is Your RSRP Low?
Low RSRP can happen for several reasons:
- Distance from the Cell Tower: If you’re far away from the nearest cell tower, the signal will naturally be weaker.
- Physical Obstructions: Buildings, trees, hills, or other obstacles can block or weaken the signal.
- Network Congestion: In densely populated areas, too many devices may be trying to connect to the same tower, leading to poor signal quality.
- Interference: Other electronic devices, neighboring towers, or even weather conditions can cause interference that weakens the RSRP.
How to Fix Low RSRP?
There are several ways to improve low RSRP and enhance your network connection:
- Move Closer to a Cell Tower: If possible, try to move closer to the cell tower or avoid locations with heavy signal obstructions (e.g., basements, buildings with thick walls).
- Use a Signal Booster: A signal booster can amplify the weak signal received from the tower, improving RSRP. These devices work by capturing the signal and retransmitting it inside your home or office.
- Switch to a Different Band or Frequency: LTE networks use multiple frequency bands. If your current band is experiencing interference or congestion, switching to a different one can help improve RSRP.
- Use Wi-Fi Calling: If cellular signal is weak but you have a good Wi-Fi connection, enable Wi-Fi calling on your device. This will route your voice calls over the internet rather than the cellular network.
- Optimize Antenna Placement: If you’re using a device like a mobile hotspot or an external antenna, positioning it in a location with fewer obstructions or closer to the window can improve signal reception.
- Contact Your Carrier: If low RSRP persists, there may be a network issue or tower problem. Contact your carrier to report the issue and inquire about potential fixes or upgrades in your area.
What Are the Ideal RSRP Levels?
RSRP values range from very weak to very strong signals. Here’s a general guide:
- Excellent RSRP: -80 dBm to -90 dBm
- Good RSRP: -90 dBm to -100 dBm
- Fair RSRP: -100 dBm to -110 dBm
- Poor RSRP: -110 dBm to -120 dBm
- Very Poor RSRP: Below -120 dBm (connection may be unreliable or nonexistent)
When You Monitor RSRP
Monitoring RSRP helps when:
- You’re experiencing slow data speeds or dropped calls and want to assess the signal strength
- You’re in an area with heavy congestion and want to improve your connection
- You’re troubleshooting network issues to determine if low RSRP is the cause of the problem
In Summary
Low RSRP can be caused by distance from the tower, interference, or obstructions. To fix it, try moving closer to the tower, using a signal booster, switching bands, or using Wi-Fi calling. I’ve explained how these methods can help you improve RSRP and enhance your network performance. Monitoring and optimizing RSRP ensures that you get the best signal quality possible.