What is the Difference Between RSRP and RSSI?
Let me explain the difference between two important terms in LTE networks that you often hear about: RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). Understanding these terms is essential if you’re diving deeper into network performance, especially if you’re troubleshooting connectivity issues or analyzing network coverage. So, let’s break it down.
RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) refers to the power level of the received reference signal in a specific frequency resource in LTE networks. It is used primarily to determine the quality of the signal a device is receiving from a cell tower. RSRP is measured in dBm (decibels milliwatts), and it gives you a measure of the received signal strength that is dedicated specifically to the reference signals in the LTE network. These reference signals are used by the User Equipment (UE) for various purposes, such as cell search, handover, and channel estimation.
On the other hand, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measures the total received power from all sources in a specific frequency band. It includes the power from the reference signal as well as from any interference or noise present in the network. RSSI, also measured in dBm, gives you a broader view of the overall received signal strength, not just the reference signal but everything received by the UE on the frequency band.
Now, here’s the key difference:
- RSRP focuses on the power of the reference signal, which is specifically used for communication with the cell tower, and it’s a more accurate measure of how well your device can communicate with the network.
- RSSI gives you a broader view, accounting for all signals, including interference, background noise, and other transmissions, which can affect the overall signal quality.
To put it simply: RSRP is a more specific and targeted measure of signal strength, while RSSI gives a more general reading of the signal environment that includes interference and noise.
For example, if you are in an area with lots of interference, your RSSI might be high, but your RSRP could be low because the actual reference signal from the LTE cell tower is weak or obstructed by other factors. This difference becomes crucial when evaluating the quality of the LTE network, especially during handover procedures or cell selection.
In terms of practical usage, RSRP is used more often in determining whether a device should maintain or hand over to a different cell tower, while RSSI is used to understand the overall radio environment and the impact of interference.
In our previous discussions, we’ve talked about network performance and how various factors can affect signal quality. RSRP and RSSI are two key parameters that network engineers and technicians use to analyze and optimize network coverage. So, next time you’re troubleshooting LTE connectivity, understanding these terms will definitely give you a clearer picture of the situation.