4G LTE/ 5G NR Radio Coverage Calculator: RSRP, EPRE, and Link Budget Calculation Online
Professional engineering tool for visualizing 5G/LTE base station coverage zones on an interactive map. The calculator computes Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) based on Energy Per Resource Element (EPRE) and standardized 3GPP TR 38.901 propagation models. Supports address search, distance measurement, and result export in KML and CSV formats.
A key feature is the automatic calculation of Power Spectral Density (EPRE) based on bandwidth and 5G NR numerology, as well as accounting for signal penetration through external building walls using the O2I (Outdoor-to-Indoor) model.
Calculator User Instructions
- Environment Model: Select the propagation scenario — UMa NLOS for dense urban areas, RMa NLOS for suburbs and rural areas, or FSPL for ideal line-of-sight conditions.
- BS Coordinates: Pinpoint the installation location on the map or use the address search bar. The ruler allows you to measure distances to objects of interest.
- Frequency Parameters: Specify the carrier frequency (default 3800 MHz — band n78), select Numerology (SCS) and Bandwidth. This data is required for accurate energy per resource element calculation.
- Transmitter Energy: Enter Tx Power (default 46 dBm) and antenna gain (17 dBi). The EPRE parameter is calculated automatically.
- Sector Configuration: Set the number of sectors (1–6), beamwidth, and azimuths. The calculator will plot the coverage zone taking into account signal attenuation outside the main lobe.
- Obstacle Accounting (O2I): Check the “O2I” box to add attenuation for signal penetration into a building. Use the “Add. Loss” field for Body Loss, Slow Fading Margin, and Foliage Loss.
- Click “Calculate”. Colored RSRP zones from −80 to −120 dBm will appear on the map. Results can be exported to KML for Google Earth or CSV for further analysis.
Contents
- EPRE and RSRP Calculation
- Link Budget Calculation Examples
- Wall Attenuation (Outdoor-to-Indoor)
- 3GPP Propagation Models
- Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Methodology: From EPRE to RSRP
Unlike simplified calculators that use total transmitter power, this algorithm works with Energy Per Resource Element (EPRE). This approach corresponds to the physics of RSRP measurements in 5G NR and LTE networks, where the terminal measures power on individual reference signal subcarriers.
1. EPRE Calculation (dBm)
Transmitter power is distributed across the entire frequency band. Formula for spectral density:
EPRE = PTX − 10·log10(BWHz) + 10·log10(SCSHz)
Where:
• PTX — total transmitter power (dBm).
• BWHz — channel bandwidth in Hertz (e.g., 100 MHz = 100·106).
• SCSHz — subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz = 30000 Hz).2. Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP)
EIRP = EPRE + GAntenna (Antenna Gain, dBi)
3. Final Signal Level (RSRP)
RSRP (dBm) = EIRP − PathLoss(d) − WallLoss − AdditionalLoss
5G NR Link Budget Calculation Examples
Example 1: Macro Cell n78 (3800 MHz), Urban Area
Input Data: PTX = 46 dBm, BW = 100 MHz, SCS = 30 kHz, Gain = 17 dBi, O2I enabled, Add. loss = 18 dB.
EPRE Calculation:
EPRE = 46 − 10·log10(100·106) + 10·log10(30000) = 46 − 80 + 44.77 = 10.77 dBm
EIRP Calculation: 10.77 + 17 = 27.77 dBm
Wall Loss (3.8 GHz): Lwall = 12.2 + 3.2 × 3.8 = 24.36 dB
Available Budget for PathLoss (RSRP = −110 dBm):
PathLossmax = 27.77 − (−110) − 24.36 − 18 = 95.41 dB
According to the UMa NLOS model, this corresponds to a range of about 180–220 meters for indoor coverage.
Example 2: Rural Area n78 (3800 MHz), Outdoor
Input Data: PTX = 46 dBm, BW = 100 MHz, SCS = 30 kHz, Gain = 17 dBi, O2I disabled, Add. loss = 10 dB, BS Height = 35 m.
EIRP: 27.77 dBm (same as example 1)
Available Budget for PathLoss (RSRP = −100 dBm):
PathLossmax = 27.77 − (−100) − 10 = 117.77 dB
According to the RMa NLOS model with a BS height of 35 m, this ensures a range of 1.5–2.5 km for reliable outdoor coverage.
Example 3: Small Cell n41 (2600 MHz), SCS 15 kHz
Input Data: PTX = 37 dBm, BW = 40 MHz, SCS = 15 kHz, Gain = 10 dBi, O2I enabled.
EPRE Calculation:
EPRE = 37 − 10·log10(40·106) + 10·log10(15000) = 37 − 76.02 + 41.76 = 2.74 dBm
EIRP: 2.74 + 10 = 12.74 dBm
Wall Loss (2.6 GHz): Lwall = 12.2 + 3.2 × 2.6 = 20.52 dB
Small cells are designed for local densification with a coverage radius of 50–150 meters.
Example 4: Comparison of Numerologies at Equal Power
Conditions: PTX = 46 dBm, BW = 100 MHz, frequency 3800 MHz.
| SCS | EPRE | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 15 kHz | 7.76 dBm | More subcarriers — energy is distributed more broadly |
| 30 kHz | 10.77 dBm | Standard choice for FR1 |
| 60 kHz | 13.78 dBm | Fewer subcarriers — higher EPRE for each |
Doubling the SCS increases EPRE by 3 dB, which is equivalent to increasing the range by 15–20% under otherwise equal conditions.
Signal Attenuation in Walls (O2I Model)
For 5G NR frequencies (especially C-band 3.3–4.2 GHz and n79 4.4–5.0 GHz), building penetration is a critical planning factor. The calculator uses a frequency-dependent attenuation model for typical reinforced concrete construction.
Wall Loss Formula:
Lwall = 12.2 + 3.2 · fGHz
Reference values for popular bands:
| Band | Frequency | O2I Loss |
|---|---|---|
| n3 (LTE 1800) | 1800 MHz | ≈ 18.0 dB |
| n41 | 2600 MHz | ≈ 20.5 dB |
| n78 | 3500 MHz | ≈ 23.4 dB |
| n78 | 3800 MHz | ≈ 24.4 dB |
| n79 | 4700 MHz | ≈ 27.2 dB |
3GPP TR 38.901 Radio Wave Propagation Models
The calculator implements standardized Path Loss models for the FR1 frequency range (410 MHz – 7.125 GHz):
| Model | Scenario | Application |
|---|---|---|
| UMa NLOS | Urban Macro, Non-Line-of-Sight | Dense urban areas, multi-story buildings, no line of sight. The main model for urban planning. |
| RMa NLOS | Rural Macro, Non-Line-of-Sight | Suburbs, rural areas, low-rise buildings. Accounts for an average building height of 5 m and street width of 20 m. |
| FSPL | Free Space Path Loss | Ideal propagation conditions without obstacles. Used for estimating the upper range limit or fixed radio links. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why input Numerology and Bandwidth instead of PRB count?
This is done to improve calculation accuracy and convenience. In 5G NR, the number of Resource Blocks (PRB) depends on the selected numerology (SCS 15/30/60 kHz for FR1) and guard bands, which differ for each combination. Direct input of bandwidth and SCS allows the calculator to accurately determine EPRE without needing to consult 3GPP TS 38.101 tables.
Why is 3800 MHz selected by default?
The 3.8 GHz range falls within the n78 band (3300–3800 MHz), which is the primary mid-band spectrum for 5G NR deployment in Europe and most countries worldwide. This band provides an optimal balance between network capacity and coverage radius.
How critical is enabling the O2I option?
At 3.8 GHz, a single external building wall introduces about 24 dB of attenuation. Practical example: if the RSRP level on the street is −85 dBm (excellent quality), immediately behind the wall inside the building it will drop to −109 dBm (threshold for stable connection). This option must be enabled for planning indoor coverage or assessing signal quality indoors.
What should be included in the “Add. Loss” field?
Recommended values for a typical calculation:
- Body Loss: 3–4 dB
- Slow Fading Margin: 6–8 dB for 90% coverage probability
- Foliage Loss: 5–15 dB depending on season and density
- Cable Losses: if not accounted for in antenna gain
A total value of 15–20 dB is typical for conservative planning.
How does the calculation for multiple sectors work?
The calculator plots the antenna pattern for each sector based on the specified Beamwidth. Signal attenuation outside the main lobe is calculated using the formula: Att = 12·(θ/θ3dB)², where θ is the angle of deviation from the azimuth, and θ3dB is the beamwidth at the −3 dB level. Maximum attenuation is limited to 25 dB (side lobe level).
What is the export to KML and CSV for?
KML is a format for visualization in Google Earth Pro. It allows you to overlay calculated coverage zones onto high-resolution satellite imagery and terrain. CSV is a tabular format for importing parameters into Excel or specialized radio planning software.
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