What Should RSRP Be Like?
When it comes to mobile networks, one important measurement you need to understand is RSRP, which stands for Reference Signal Received Power. This measurement plays a crucial role in determining the signal strength that your device is receiving from the LTE base station, also known as the eNodeB. So, let’s break it down and discuss what RSRP should ideally be like to ensure a strong and reliable connection.
RSRP is an essential metric because it helps assess the quality of the signal your device receives from the network. This value is measured in dBm (decibels milliwatts), and it gives us an idea of how strong or weak the received signal is at the specific location of the user equipment (UE). Typically, the higher the RSRP, the better the signal strength, which means the device is likely to experience faster speeds and fewer connectivity issues.
But what is considered a good RSRP value? Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Excellent RSRP: An RSRP of -80 dBm or better is generally considered excellent. With this signal strength, you should have a stable, high-speed connection with minimal interruption.
- Good RSRP: Values between -80 dBm and -90 dBm indicate a good signal strength, and most users will still experience decent connection speeds and coverage.
- Fair RSRP: An RSRP value between -90 dBm and -100 dBm falls into the fair category. While the signal strength is weaker, it may still be sufficient for general use, but you might experience slower speeds or intermittent drops in connection.
- Poor RSRP: Values lower than -100 dBm are considered poor, and this is where you might face significant issues with your connection. At this level, you can expect very slow speeds, frequent disconnections, and possible call drops.
It’s important to remember that RSRP alone doesn’t give you the full picture of network quality. Other factors, such as SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), also play significant roles in determining how reliable your connection will be. So, while a high RSRP is a good indicator of strong signal strength, it is not the only factor that determines network performance.
As we’ve learned in previous articles, signal quality impacts everything from internet speed to call reliability. A strong RSRP allows your device to perform optimally, ensuring that you can stream, download, and browse without issues. If you’re facing poor RSRP values, there might be physical obstructions, distance from the tower, or interference that’s affecting your signal. In that case, it’s worth checking your network coverage or moving to an area with better signal strength.
So, to summarize, an ideal RSRP value depends on your use case, but in general, values closer to -80 dBm are optimal for a seamless LTE experience. Keeping track of your RSRP can help you identify areas of poor coverage and make informed decisions about improving your connection.