In Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, Radio Signal Received Power (RSRP) and Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) are key parameters used to assess the quality and strength of the radio signals between User Equipment (UE) and the cell (eNodeB). These measurements play a crucial role in network optimization, handover decisions, and overall quality of service.
RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power):
1. Definition:
- RSRP is a metric that quantifies the power level of the received signal from the serving cell. It provides information about the strength of the signal at the UE, measured in decibels relative to one milliwatt (dBm).
2. Signal Strength Assessment:
- RSRP is a fundamental parameter for evaluating the overall signal strength. Higher RSRP values indicate a stronger signal, contributing to better communication quality and higher data rates.
3. Handover Decision Making:
- RSRP is a key factor in the handover process. When a UE moves between cells, the network assesses RSRP values to determine whether to initiate a handover to a different cell with a stronger signal.
4. Coverage Evaluation:
- Network operators use RSRP to assess the coverage of a cell. By analyzing RSRP values across the network, they can identify areas with strong or weak signal coverage.
5. dBm Representation:
- RSRP values are represented in dBm, and they typically range from negative values (weaker signal) to less negative or positive values (stronger signal).
RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality):
1. Definition:
- RSRQ is a parameter that combines information about the received signal power and the quality of the received signal. It is expressed in dB and represents the ratio of RSRP to the received signal strength of the interference and noise (RSSI).
2. Signal Quality Assessment:
- RSRQ provides insights into the quality of the received signal. It considers not only the strength of the signal (RSRP) but also the impact of interference and noise.
3. Interference and Noise Consideration:
- RSRQ takes into account the impact of interference and noise on the received signal. A higher RSRQ value indicates better signal quality, even if the RSRP is not extremely high.
4. Optimizing Handover Decisions:
- In scenarios where multiple cells are available, RSRQ helps in optimizing handover decisions by considering both the signal strength and the quality of the received signal.
5. dB Representation:
- RSRQ values are also represented in dB, and similar to RSRP, they typically range from negative values (poorer quality) to less negative or positive values (better quality).
Combined Use in Handover:
1. Handover Triggering:
- Both RSRP and RSRQ are considered when determining if a handover is necessary. A UE may trigger a handover if the serving cell’s RSRP drops below a certain threshold, or if a neighboring cell has a significantly higher RSRP and RSRQ.
In summary, RSRP and RSRQ are essential metrics in LTE networks, providing insights into the strength and quality of received signals. These measurements are crucial for optimizing network performance, supporting efficient handovers, and ensuring a high-quality communication experience for users.