Why is RSRQ Poor?
When you’re using an LTE network, you might have heard of RSRQ, or Reference Signal Received Quality. It’s an essential metric used to assess the quality of your mobile connection. RSRQ helps determine the reliability and strength of the signal you receive from the network. But what happens when RSRQ is poor? Let me explain why this might happen and what factors contribute to it.
RSRQ is a combination of two key factors: signal strength (RSRP – Reference Signal Received Power) and interference levels (SINR – Signal-to-Noise Ratio). A poor RSRQ can result from one or more issues related to these components. Let’s break it down:
- Low RSRP: If the received signal strength (RSRP) is weak, it indicates that your device is far from the base station or obstructed by physical barriers, such as buildings or trees. This results in poor reception, and hence, a lower RSRQ.
- High Interference: Interference from other network cells or devices can cause poor SINR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio). High interference leads to a decrease in RSRQ because the signal-to-noise ratio becomes unfavorable, making it harder for your device to maintain a clear and stable connection.
- Cell Overload: When the cell your device is connected to becomes overloaded with too many users or data traffic, it can lead to reduced signal quality. The more devices connected to a cell, the higher the chance of congestion, which negatively impacts RSRQ.
- Distance from the Cell Tower: The further you are from the LTE cell tower, the weaker the RSRP, which in turn lowers the RSRQ. High-rise buildings, hills, or dense urban areas with many obstacles can affect the strength of your signal and degrade the overall quality of your connection.
- Multipath Propagation: Multipath interference occurs when signals take multiple paths to reach your device. In urban environments, tall buildings and other obstacles can reflect signals and cause interference, leading to a decrease in RSRQ.
In summary, a poor RSRQ typically points to either weak signal strength, high interference, or network congestion. If you are experiencing a poor RSRQ, it’s a good idea to check if you are far from the cell tower, in a dense area with high traffic, or experiencing significant interference. Each of these factors can significantly impact your mobile network experience, reducing data speeds, call quality, and overall service reliability.
As we discussed earlier in related articles, understanding RSRQ and its impact on mobile connectivity is key for troubleshooting network issues. By focusing on improving factors like signal strength and reducing interference, operators can work towards improving RSRQ and the overall user experience.