RSRP Coverage Calculator
Estimate LTE/5G cell coverage radius from RSRP threshold, transmit power, and antenna parameters using free-space and Okumura-Hata path loss models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RSRP and why does it determine coverage?
RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) is the average power of the LTE/5G NR reference signal resource elements received at the UE, measured in dBm. It is the primary metric used to determine cell coverage and is reported by the UE to the network. RSRP above -90 dBm indicates excellent coverage, -90 to -105 dBm is good, -105 to -120 dBm is fair (voice may struggle), and below -120 dBm is poor or at cell edge.
What is the Okumura-Hata path loss model?
The Okumura-Hata model is an empirical path loss formula derived from field measurements, widely used for mobile network planning at frequencies between 150 MHz and 1500 MHz. It provides separate formulas for urban, suburban, and rural environments. Urban loss is highest; rural loss is lowest because there are fewer obstructions. The model assumes a base station height of 30 m and UE height of 1.5 m. It is less accurate above 2 GHz, where COST 231 or 3GPP models are preferred.
What RSRP threshold is needed for voice vs data calls?
For VoLTE (voice over LTE), a minimum RSRP of about -110 dBm is typically needed. For basic data services such as web browsing, -105 dBm is a common planning threshold. For high-throughput data such as video streaming or fast downloads, -90 dBm or better is recommended. Emergency calls may be designed to work down to -120 dBm or lower. These thresholds depend on device capability, network configuration, and local interference levels.