What is the Average RSRP?
RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) is one of the key parameters in LTE networks that helps measure the strength of the signal being received by a user device (UE). It’s an important metric for determining the quality of the connection and assessing how well the device can maintain a stable communication link. In simple terms, RSRP represents how strong the LTE signal is at the UE’s location, which directly impacts the quality of data and voice services.
Now, you might be wondering, “What is the average RSRP for a good connection?” Well, the answer depends on several factors, but generally, RSRP values are categorized into different levels to indicate the signal strength. To help you understand, let’s break it down:
| RSRP Value (dBm) | Signal Quality |
|---|---|
| ≥ -80 dBm | Excellent Signal |
| -80 to -90 dBm | Good Signal |
| -90 to -100 dBm | Fair Signal |
| -100 to -110 dBm | Poor Signal |
| < -110 dBm | Very Poor Signal |
So, when we talk about the average RSRP, it’s generally expected that you should have a value closer to -80 dBm for a good experience. Anything worse than -100 dBm will lead to poor signal quality, which can cause dropped calls, slow data speeds, and other service disruptions. Keep in mind, the exact “average” RSRP for your area will vary based on your proximity to the nearest cell tower and any obstacles (like buildings or trees) that might interfere with the signal.
Here’s what factors influence your RSRP:
- Distance from the Cell Tower: The farther you are from the cell tower, the lower the RSRP value you’ll experience.
- Obstacles: Physical obstructions like walls, buildings, or even weather conditions can cause a drop in signal strength.
- Network Load: If there are too many devices connected to a tower, it can reduce the available bandwidth for each device, which may result in a lower RSRP.
- Topography: Being in a valley or an area surrounded by mountains can also cause signal attenuation, affecting your RSRP.
To summarize, the “average” RSRP is typically considered to be around -80 dBm for a good LTE experience. Of course, this can fluctuate based on your location, and some areas may experience stronger or weaker signals. It’s always important to monitor RSRP values to ensure that your connection stays reliable. If you’re seeing low RSRP readings frequently, it might be worth checking your location and considering factors like network congestion and obstructions.
In our previous article, we discussed the significance of RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), which goes hand-in-hand with RSRP to provide a full picture of your network’s performance. RSRP primarily measures signal strength, while RSRQ provides an understanding of signal quality, so together they help identify any potential issues affecting your connection.