Description
Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) is a fundamental measurement in LTE and 5G NR radio systems that quantifies the power level received from a specific cell's reference signals. In LTE, these are Cell-specific Reference Signals (CRS), and in NR, they are Synchronization Signal Blocks (SSBs) or Channel State Information Reference Signals (CSI-RS). RSRP is measured by the User Equipment (UE) on the downlink and represents the linear average over the power contributions (in watts) of the resource elements carrying the reference signals within the considered measurement bandwidth. It is reported in dBm and provides a stable, interference-independent indication of signal strength from a cell.
The measurement process involves the UE synchronizing to a cell and identifying the specific resource elements allocated for reference signals. The receiver measures the power of these known symbols. For accuracy, measurements are typically averaged over time and frequency to mitigate fast fading. In 5G NR, due to beamforming, RSRP can be measured per beam (SSB or CSI-RS beam), and the network may configure the UE to report beam-level RSRP or cell-level RSRP (derived from the best beams). The physical layer performs the measurement, and results are reported to higher layers (RRC) for use in procedures like cell selection/reselection and handover.
RSRP's role is central to Radio Resource Management (RRM). It is the primary input for the 'S' criterion in cell selection (Srxlev) and the 'R' criteria for cell reselection. The network uses RSRP measurements reported by UEs to make handover decisions, manage mobility, and optimize coverage. It is also used in conjunction with other metrics like RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) and SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) to provide a comprehensive view of the radio link quality. By providing a consistent measure of signal strength, RSRP enables networks to maintain reliable connectivity, balance load between cells, and ensure users are served by the most appropriate cell.
Purpose & Motivation
RSRP was introduced in 3GPP Release 8 with LTE to provide a standardized, accurate measure of downlink signal strength for mobility management. Prior cellular systems used metrics like Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), which includes all received power (desired signal, interference, and noise), making it less precise for cell-specific quality assessment. The motivation for RSRP was to define a measurement that is specific to the reference signals of a particular cell, thereby giving a pure indication of that cell's signal power, largely independent of interference and traffic load.
It solves the problem of reliable cell selection and handover in modern OFDMA-based networks. Accurate RSRP measurements allow the UE and network to determine when to switch connections between cells, which is critical for maintaining call continuity and data session quality. As networks evolved through LTE-Advanced and into 5G NR, RSRP remained a cornerstone measurement. Its purpose expanded to support new features like carrier aggregation (where secondary cells are added based on RSRP), dual connectivity, and in 5G, beam management. The evolution to beam-based measurements in NR addressed the challenges of high-frequency bands (mmWave) where directional beams are essential, requiring RSRP measurements per beam to identify the best transmission direction. RSRP's enduring role is due to its simplicity, stability, and effectiveness as a fundamental indicator of radio link strength.
Classification
Detected Changes Across Releases
from 3GPP Change RequestsSpecific changes extracted from the „Change history“ tables of 3GPP specifications (226 CRs across 5 releases). Complements the general historical overview above with the evidence-based evolution of this function.
Studied in Rel-8, normative work from Rel-15.
In Release 15, a key enhancement for the RSRP function was its inclusion as a result in the SFTD (System Frame Timing Difference) measurement report. This provided a more integrated measurement reporting capability. Additionally, this release introduced corrections and clarifications related to power control and measurement configurations that impact RSRP procedures.
- Introduction of power, energy and environment related measurements and related use case description. TS 32.425CR0168
- Introduction of NR-SS-SINR TS 36.214CR0051
- Introduction of time reference provision TS 36.331CR3341
- Signalling for euCA (Enhancing LTE CA Utilization) TS 36.331CR3391
- Additional capability signalling for 1024QAM support TS 36.331CR4031
- Corrections to random access power control for TDD in 36.331 TS 36.331CR3580
+ 38 more changes
In Release 16, the primary update for RSRP was the introduction of RSRP measurement based on RSS (Reference Signal Sequence). This was accompanied by the removal of RSS-based RSRQ measurements, refining the measurement framework for power saving and other enhancements.
- Introduction of RSRP measurement based on RSS TS 36.214CR0055
- CR for 36.331 for Power Savings TS 36.331CR4245
- Introduction of signalling for high-speed train scenarios TS 36.331CR4326
- Introduction of B1C signal in BDS system in A-GNSS TS 37.355CR0248
- Introduction of power saving in 38.212 TS 38.212CR0028
- Introduction of UE power savings TS 38.213CR0076
+ 41 more changes
In Release 17, the RSRP function itself was not directly modified, but the release introduced UE power saving enhancements that impact overall measurement reporting behavior, including RSRP. These enhancements, detailed across multiple specifications like TS 38.212 and TS 38.300, are designed to optimize UE power consumption, which can influence the frequency or conditions under which RSRP and other measurements are taken.
- Addition of SINR measurement TS 32.425CR0200
- Introduction of Rel-17 UE power saving enhancements TS 38.212CR0091
- Introduction of UE power savings enhancements in NR TS 38.213CR0276
- Introduction of UE power saving enhancements In 38.300 TS 38.300CR0417
- Support for UE Power Saving Enhancements TS 38.473CR0855
- UE Security Capabilities signaling in NG-RAN [UE_Sec_Caps] TS 38.300CR0427
+ 46 more changes
In Release 18, a specific clarification was introduced regarding the mapping of RSRP thresholds to Coverage Enhancement (CE) levels. This update provides explicit guidance on how measured RSRP values correspond to different CE levels used for enhanced coverage operation. No other changes to the core RSRP measurement procedure itself are indicated by the provided materials.
- MC service control signalling over 5G MBS TS 23.289CR0020
- Introduction of multiplexing in a PUSCH with repetitions HARQ-ACK associated with DL assignments received after an UL grant for the PUSCH [HARQ-ACK MUX on PUSCH] TS 38.213CR0568
- Resolve the EN about architecture and reference alignment in clause 4.7.1 TS 23.289CR0058
- Adding references to 3GPP TS 26.502 TS 23.289CR0089
- Update the scope clause with reference to 5G network architecture specs TS 23.289CR0091
- Corrections to reference point usage in switching from MBS session to unicast bearer for MCData TS 23.289CR0094
+ 41 more changes
In Release 19, there were no specific changes or enhancements introduced for the RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) function itself. The release's work items, as indicated by the Change Request titles, primarily focused on introducing a new low-power Wake-up Signal and receiver for NR and corrections related to it, alongside other features like enhancements for NTN and MBS. Therefore, the core RSRP measurement procedure and its reporting remained unchanged from the previous release.
- Introduction of B2b signal in BDS system in A-GNSS TS 37.355CR0545
- Introduction of Rel-19 low-power Wake-up Signal for NR TS 38.212CR0217
- Introduction of low-power wake-up signal and receiver for NR TS 38.213CR0708
- Introduction of Low-Power Wake-Up Signal and Receiver for NR TS 38.300CR1015
- Introduction of low-power wake-up signal and receiver for NR TS 38.473CR1443
- Add the FRMCS requirements reference TS 23.289CR0121
+ 30 more changes
Explore further
Broader topics and technologies where RSRP plays a role.
Defining Specifications
3GPP specifications that define or reference RSRP, with the latest known release. Sourced from the 3GPP document catalog — see methodology.
| Specification | Title | Release |
|---|---|---|
| TS 23.289 vk10 | Mission Critical services over 5G System | Rel-20 |
| TS 23.402 vj00 | EPC for Non-3GPP Access (PMIP) | Rel-19 |
| TR 23.730 ve00 | Study on extended CIoT architecture | Rel-14 |
| TS 24.312 vj00 | ANDSF Management Objects Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 25.123 vj00 | Radio Resource Management for TDD | Rel-19 |
| TS 25.133 vj00 | UTRAN RRM Requirements for FDD | Rel-19 |
| TS 25.215 vj00 | UTRA FDD Measurement Definitions | Rel-19 |
| TS 25.225 vj00 | UTRA TDD Physical Layer Measurements | Rel-19 |
| TS 25.331 vj00 | UTRAN RRC Protocol Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 28.627 vj00 | SON Policy NRM IRP: Requirements | Rel-19 |
| TS 28.628 vj00 | SON Policy NRM IRP Information Service | Rel-19 |
| TS 29.257 vj40 | Application layer support for Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) | Rel-19 |
| TS 32.425 vj00 | E-UTRAN Performance Measurements | Rel-19 |
| TS 36.133 vj20 | E-UTRA RRM Requirements | Rel-19 |
| TS 36.201 vj00 | LTE Physical Layer General Description | Rel-19 |
| TS 36.214 vj00 | E-UTRA Physical Layer Measurements | Rel-19 |
| TS 36.331 vj00 | LTE RRC Protocol Specification | Rel-19 |
| TS 36.355 vj00 | LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) | Rel-19 |
| TS 36.809 vc00 | Study on RF Pattern Matching for LTE Positioning | Rel-12 |
| TS 36.842 vc00 | Small Cell Enhancements for LTE Higher Layers | Rel-12 |
| TS 36.855 vd00 | E-UTRA Positioning Enhancements Study | Rel-13 |
| TS 36.867 vd00 | LTE DL 4 Rx Antenna Port Study TR | Rel-13 |
| TS 36.878 vd00 | LTE Performance Enhancements for High Speed Scenarios | Rel-13 |
| TS 36.894 vd00 | Study on LTE Measurement Gap Enhancement | Rel-13 |
| TS 37.320 vj00 | Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT) Overview | Rel-19 |
| TS 37.355 vj20 | LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) | Rel-19 |
| TS 37.571 vj00 | UE Conformance for Positioning | Rel-19 |
| TS 37.870 vd00 | Study on Multi-RAT Joint Coordination | Rel-13 |
| TS 38.101 vj31 | NR User Equipment Radio Transmissions | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.106 vj20 | NR Repeater Radio Transmission and Reception | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.212 vj10 | NR Multiplexing and Channel Coding | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.213 vj10 | NR Physical Layer Control Procedures | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.300 vj00 | NG-RAN Overall Description | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.305 vj00 | NG-RAN UE Positioning Stage 2 | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.455 vj10 | NR Positioning Protocol A (NRPPa) | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.473 vj10 | 5G F1 Application Protocol (F1AP) | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.521 vj20 | NR Physical Layer UE Conformance Testing | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.522 vj11 | UE Conformance Test Applicability Statement | Rel-19 |
| TR 38.751 vi30 | Technical Report | Rel-18 |
| TR 38.810 vg70 | NR OTA Test Methods Study | Rel-16 |
| TR 38.828 vg10 | CLI and RIM for NR | Rel-16 |
| TS 38.831 vg10 | UE RF Requirements for FR2 Enhancements | Rel-16 |
| TR 38.833 vh00 | NR Demodulation Performance Enhancement | Rel-17 |
| TR 38.857 vh00 | Study on NR Positioning Enhancements | Rel-17 |
| TR 38.858 vi20 | Technical Report on Evolution of NR Duplex Operation | Rel-18 |
| TS 38.863 vj10 | NR NTN RF and Co-existence Spec | Rel-19 |
| TR 38.869 vi00 | Study on low-power wake up signal and receiver for NR | Rel-18 |
| TR 38.871 vi20 | Technical Report | Rel-18 |
| TR 38.884 vi20 | Technical Report | Rel-18 |
| TR 38.889 vg00 | NR-based access to unlicensed spectrum study | Rel-16 |
| TR 38.900 vf00 | Channel Model Study for >6 GHz | Rel-15 |
| TR 38.901 vj10 | Channel Model for 0.5-100 GHz | Rel-19 |
| TR 38.903 vj00 | Test Tolerances & Measurement Uncertainties | Rel-19 |