RSRP
Reference signal received power is the LTE signal-strength measurement in dBm that field teams compare, unlike the bars a device shows.
Definitions only — a term explained here is not a service we sell.
Reference signal received power (RSRP) is the average power of LTE cell-specific reference signals, measured in dBm. It is a defined, repeatable reading, while bars are a vendor-specific summary, so coverage work compares RSRP values.
The scale is logarithmic: -80 dBm is stronger than -110 dBm, and 10 dB is a tenfold change in power.
What the reading leaves out
RSRP alone does not describe quality. RSRQ and SINR show interference and load, so a strong reading with poor quality can still deliver badly. Record the band, the cell identity and the time with each reading.
Where a reading sits
-95 dBm Usable
| Value | Zone | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| -120 dBm | -120 | Unusable |
| -110 dBm | -110 | Weak |
| -95 dBm | -95 | Usable |
| -85 dBm | -85 | Good |
| -70 dBm | -70 | Strong |
LTE
Text description
The marks run from -120 dBm at the weak end to -70 dBm at the strong end. The grades are field guidance, not a specification, and shift with device and service.
Check the installation first
Check the antenna, the cable, the enclosure and the band support before replacing a module. Take the reading at the installed position, not on a bench. The Signal checker grades a reading and explains what to check next.