A good RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) is around -44 dBm. This value indicates excellent LTE signal strength, representing a strong connection from a single reference signal.
Understanding RSRP
RSRP is a crucial metric in LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks that quantifies the strength of the signal received by your device from a cell tower. Specifically, it measures the average power received from individual reference signals within the LTE band. A higher (less negative) RSRP value signifies a stronger signal, which generally leads to better network performance.
According to Digi International, the typical range for RSRP is from -44 dBm (good) to -140 dBm (bad).
Why RSRP Matters
Understanding RSRP is essential for assessing cellular connectivity, especially for devices like IoT gateways, routers, and modems that rely on stable LTE connections. A strong RSRP directly impacts:
- Reliability: A robust signal is less prone to drops and interruptions.
- Speed: While RSRP primarily indicates strength, better strength often correlates with the ability to maintain higher data rates.
- Stability: Consistent good RSRP values contribute to a more stable connection.
RSRP Value Ranges
To help visualize what different RSRP values mean, consider the following general guidelines:
| RSRP (dBm) | Signal Strength | Description |
|---|---|---|
| -44 to -80 | Excellent | Very strong signal, ideal for high-speed and reliable connections. |
| -81 to -90 | Good | Strong signal, suitable for most applications. |
| -91 to -100 | Fair | Moderate signal, may experience some slowdowns or less consistent performance. |
| -101 to -110 | Poor | Weak signal, likely to experience slow speeds and frequent disconnections. |
| -111 to -140 | Very Poor/Bad | Extremely weak or no usable signal. |
(Note: The "Excellent" range specifically includes the "good" -44 dBm mentioned in the reference.)
RSRP vs. RSRQ
While RSRP measures signal strength, it's important to differentiate it from RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality). As per Digi International:
- RSRP: "The average power received from a single Reference signal, and Its typical range is around -44dbm (good) to -140dbm(bad)."
- RSRQ: "Indicates quality of the received signal, and its range is typically -19.5dB(bad) to -3dB (good)."
RSRQ provides insight into the quality of the signal, taking into account interference and noise. A good RSRP combined with a good RSRQ indicates both strong and clear signal reception, which is optimal for performance. For instance, a high RSRP might still result in poor performance if the RSRQ is low due to high interference.
For more detailed information on LTE signal strength values, you can refer to the Digi International Knowledge Base.
