C.S0029 Test Application Specification Description (TAP/ETAP/MCTAP)

C.S0029 Test Application Specification Description (TAP/ETAP/MCTAP)

Last updated: March 27, 2009

3GPP2 C.S0029 standard, the Test Application Specification (TAS) for High Rate Packet Data Air Interface, provides a set of procedures to allow testing of access terminal (AT) minimum performance. In a 1xEV-DO network, the link between the access terminal (AT) and access network (AN) are dynamic. As propagation conditions change, the AT requests data at different rates, and from different serving sectors. This type of dynamic system makes it very difficult to control the test conditions for performing AT minimum performance testing. The Test Application Specification allows many of the connection characteristics to be fixed during testing, and enables the AT to send Loop Back Packets to help characterize its receiver performance.

The C.S0029 has evolved from release 0 (C.S0029-0) to release A (C.S0029-A) and afterwards release B(C.S0029-B) to support the tests as required by the new release of air interface standard. The C.S0029-0 defines Test Application Protocol (TAP), The C.S0029-A defines two new sets of test application protocols: Enhanced Test Application Protocols (ETAP) and Broadcast Test Application Protocol (BTAP) in addition to TAP in the C.S0029-0. The latest C.S0029-B also defines a new sets of test application protocols: Multi-carrier Test Application Protocols (MCTAP) in addition to TAP/ETAP/BTAP in the C.S0029-A.

The test set does not support BTAP. The following description reviews the TAP, ETAP and MCTAP as defined in the C.S0029. This description discusses the TAP/ETAP/MCTAP functionality used to perform key access terminal minimum performance tests in a factory/laboratory environment. It does not discuss the usage of TAP/ETAP/MCTAP for gathering link statistics or characterizing the forward and reverse link performance in a field environment.

TAP Overview

The TAP is specified in terms of two independent protocols: FTAP (Forward Test Application Protocol) and RTAP (Reverse Test Application Protocol). FTAP allows testing of the AT's receiver, whereas RTAP allows testing of the AT's transmitter. Both the FTAP and RTAP protocols operate with the Subtype 0 Physical Layer Protocol.

Prior to open a TAP connection, verify that the TAP (0x0003) is configured for the session (see Test Application Configuration ). FTAP or RTAP then uses the FTAP and RTAP Parameter Assignment messages for controlling and configuring the access terminal and the access network for conducting tests as the connection is established.

Forward Test Application Protocol (FTAP)

The FTAP allows testing of the access terminal's receiver. FTAP provides the procedures and messages used by the access terminal and the access network to:

  • Control the Forward Traffic Channel.
  • Configure the R-ACK and R-DRC Channels (transmit configured ACK Channel bits, DRC values and DRC covers.)
  • Generate and transmit FTAP Test Packets on the Forward Traffic Channel and process the received packets at the AT.
  • Generate and transmit information about the received FTAP Test Packets at the AT through FTAP Loop Back Packets sent by the AT.

Basic procedure:

  • TAP connection is opened.
  • The AN sends an FTAP Parameter Assignment message, which may include the following attributes:
    • DRC Value Fixed mode: If the DRC Value Fixed Mode attribute is sent, the AT shall set its transmitted DRC (data rate requested from the AN) to the specified DRC Value.
    • DRC Cover Fixed mode: If the DRC Cover Fixed Mode attribute is sent, the AT shall set its transmitted DRC Cover (sector cover associated with the current serving sector) to the specified DRC Cover.
    • ACK Channel Bit Fixed mode (Fwd TAP): If the ACK Channel Bit Fixed Mode Attribute is sent, the AT shall transmit the specified ACK Channel Bit during every slot. If the specified ACK Channel Bit is `1' (NACK), then the AT shall receive the packets as if they were all of full-length duration, and continue receiving them until the full-length in slots has elapsed, even if the packet was successfully decoded earlier. If the ACK Channel Bit value is '0' (ACK), the access terminal shall receive packets on the Forward Traffic Channel as if all the packets were successfully received in one slot duration. Even if a packet has not been successfully decoded in a single slot and its full-length in slots is greater than one, the access terminal shall stop receiving the packet after one slot.
    • Loop Back mode: If the Loop Back Mode attribute is sent, the AT shall transmit FTAP Loop Back Packets on the Reverse Traffic Channel. The AT sends one or more FTAP Loop Back Packets for each 16 slot time period (frame), indicating how many FTAP Test Packets were successfully decoded in that frame. (Depending upon the Forward Traffic Channel data rate, from 1 to 16 valid FTAP Test Packets are sent each frame, but the standard specifies that only half of these packets be directed to the AT under test. See AT Directed Packets .) An FTAP Loop Back Packet is sent even if no FTAP Test Packets are received during the frame.
  • The AT sends an FTAP Parameter Complete message to indicate completion of test configurations specified by the FTAP Parameter Assignment message.
  • The access network and the access terminal exchange FTAP Test Packets and FTAP Loop Back Packets (if Loop Back Mode is enabled).
  • The AN calculates Packet Error Rate (PER) based on the number of FTAP Test Packets sent to the AT and the number successfully decoded by the AT.

Reverse Test Application Protocol (RTAP)

The Reverse Test Application Protocol allows testing of the access terminal's transmitter. RTAP provides the procedures and messages used by the access terminal and the access network to:

  • Control and configure the Reverse Traffic Channel.
  • Generate and transmit RTAP Test Packets on the Reverse Traffic Channel at the configured rate.

Basic procedure:

  • TAP connection is opened.
  • The AN sends an RTAP Parameter Assignment message, which may include the following attributes:
    • RTAP Test Packet mode: If the RTAP Test Pkt Enable attribute is sent, the AT shall generate an RTAP Test Packet at the beginning of every 16-slot interval aligned to the CDMA System Time (every frame).
    • Configured Packet Rate mode: If the Packet Rate Mode attribute is sent, AT shall generate RTAP Test Packets at a rate determined by the Min Rate and Max Rate specified.

      The AT shall obey the following rules to select a Reverse Traffic Channel rate. The access terminal shall maintain the following variables: MinRate (value of the MinRateIndex field received in the PacketRateMode attribute), MaxRate (value of the MaxRateIndex field received in the PacketRateMode attribute), MACMaxRate (RateIndex corresponding to the maximum rate allowed by the RTC MAC protocol), TargetRate (RateIndex corresponding to the desired rate), SelectedRate (RateIndex corresponding to the selected rate).

      For the first RTC MAC Packet following the start of the test, the access terminal shall set:
      TargetRate = MinRate, and SelectedRate = Min (TargetRate, MACMaxRate).
      For all the subsequent RTC MAC Packets, the access terminal shall choose the rate as follows:
      TargetRate = TargetRate + 1;
      If (TargetRate > MaxRate), TargetRate = MinRate, SelectedRate = Min (TargetRate, MACMaxRate).
  • The AT sends an RTAP Parameter Complete message to indicate completion of test configurations specified by the RTAP Parameter Assignment message.
  • For some AT transmitter tests it is required that the R-ACK channel be active. In this case, the FTAP Parameter Assignment message must be sent by the AN, with the ACK Channel Bit Fixed Mode Attribute enabled. The AT must then send an FTAP Parameter Complete message.
  • If RTAP Test Packet mode is enabled, the AT sends RTAP Test Packets to the AN.

ETAP Overview

The ETAP is specified in terms of two independent protocols: FETAP (Forward Enhanced Test Application Protocol) and RETAP (Reverse Enhanced Test Application Protocol). FETAP allows testing of the AT's receiver, whereas RETAP allows testing of the AT's transmitter. Both the FETAP and RETAP protocols operate with the Subtype 0 Physical Layer Protocol, Subtype 1 Physical Layer Protocol, or Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol.

The test set does not support Subtype 1 Physical Layer Protocol and only supports ETAP to operate with Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol.

Prior to open an ETAP connection, verify that the ETAP (0x000A) is configured for the session (see Test Application Configuration ). FETAP or RETAP then uses the FETAP and RETAP Parameter Assignment messages or controlling and configuring the access terminal and the access network for conducting tests as the connection is established.

Forward Enhanced Test Application Protocol (FETAP)

The FETAP allows testing of the access terminal's receiver. FETAP provides the procedures and messages used by the access terminal and the access network to:

  • Control the Forward Traffic Channel.
  • Configure the R-ACK and R-DRC Channels (transmit configured ACK Channel bits, DRC values and DRC covers. Also, for Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol, transmit ACK Channel using configured modulation type).
  • Generate and transmit FETAP Test Packets on the Forward Traffic Channel and process the received packets at the AT.The access network shall not use Single User Multiplex Packets and Multi-User Packets upon sending FETAP Test Packets.
  • Generate and transmit information about the received FETAP Test Packets at the AT through FETAP Loop Back Packets sent by the AT.

Basic procedure:

  • ETAP connection is opened.
  • The AN sends an FETAP Parameter Assignment message, which may include the following attributes:
    • DRC Value Fixed mode: If the DRC Value Fixed Mode attribute is sent, the AT shall set its transmitted DRC (data rate requested from the AN) to the specified DRC Value.
    • DRC Cover Fixed mode: If the DRC Cover Fixed Mode attribute is sent, the AT shall set its transmitted DRC Cover (sector cover associated with the current serving sector) to the specified DRC Cover.
    • ACK Channel Bit Fixed mode (Fwd TAP): If the ACK Channel Bit Fixed Mode Attribute is sent, the AT shall transmit the specified ACK Channel Bit during every slot. If the specified ACK Channel Bit is `1' (NACK), then the AT shall receive the packets as if they were all of full-length duration, and continue receiving them until the full-length in slots has elapsed, even if the packet was successfully decoded earlier. If the ACK Channel Bit value is '0' (ACK), the access terminal shall receive packets on the Forward Traffic Channel as if all the packets were successfully received in one slot duration. Even if a packet has not been successfully decoded in a single slot and its full-length in slots is greater than one, the access terminal shall stop receiving the packet after one slot
    • Loop Back mode: If the Loop Back Mode attribute is sent, the AT shall transmit FETAP Loop Back Packets on the Reverse Traffic Channel. The AT sends one or more FETAP Loop Back Packets for every 16-slot interval aligned to the CDMA System Time (every frame), indicating how many FETAP Test Packets were successfully decoded in each frame. (Depending upon the Forward Traffic Channel data rate, from 1 to 16 valid FETAP Test Packets are sent in each frame, but the standard specifies that only half of these packets be directed to the AT under test. See AT Directed Packets .) An FETAP Loop Back Packet is sent even if no FETAP Test Packets are received during the frame.
    • ACK Channel Modulation Type Fixed mode: If the ACK Channel Modulation Type Fixed Mode attribute is sent, the AT shall use the specified modulation for transmission of the ACK channel. Valid only for Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol. If this attribute is sent, then the ACK Channel Bit Fixed Mode attribute must also be included. The specified ACK Channel Modulation Type can be set to 0x00 (BPSK) or 0x01 (OOK).
  • The AT sends an FETAP Parameter Complete message to indicate completion of test configurations specified by the FETAP Parameter Assignment message.
  • The access network and the access terminal exchange FETAP Test Packets and FETAP Loop Back Packets (if Loop Back Mode is enabled).
  • The AN calculates Packet Error Rate (PER) based on the number of FETAP Test Packets sent to the AT and the number successfully decoded by the AT.

Reverse Enhanced Test Application Protocol (RETAP)

The RETAP allows testing of the access terminal's transmitter. RETAP provides the procedures and messages used by the access terminal and the access network to:

  • Control and configure the Reverse Traffic Channel.
  • Generate PL_0_1 RETAP Test and Fill Packets at the access terminal and transmit on the Reverse Traffic Channel at the configured rate. Process the received packets at the access network. Valid only for Subtype 0 and 1 Physical Layer Protocols. (The test set does not support ETAP operate with Subtype 0 and 1 Physical Layer Protocols.)
  • Generate PL_2 RETAP Test Packets at the access terminal and transmit packets at the configured Reverse Traffic Channel payload sizes on the Reverse Traffic Channel. Includes support for multiple concurrent MAC flows as specified in Subtype 3 RTC MAC Protocol. Process the received packets at the access network. Valid only for Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol.
  • Transmit packets at the configured Enhanced Access Channel rates. Valid only for Subtype 1 and 2 Physical Layer Protocols. (The test set does not support Physical Layer Subtype 1 Physical Layer Protocol.)

Basic procedure:

  • ETAP connection is opened.
  • The AN sends an RETAP Parameter Assignment message, which may include the following attributes:
    • RETAP Test Packet mode: If the RETAP Test Pkt Enable attribute is sent, the AT shall generate an RETAP Test Packet at the beginning of every 16-slot interval aligned to the CDMA System Time (every frame).
    • Configured Packet Rate mode (Valid for Subtype 0 and 1 Physical Layer Protocols. The test set does not support ETAP operating with Subtype 0 and 1 Physical Layer Protocols): If the Packet Rate Mode attribute is sent, the AT shall generate RETAP PL_0_1 Test Packets at a rate determined by the Min Rate and Max Rate specified.

      The AT shall obey the following rules to select a Reverse Traffic Channel rate. The access terminal shall maintain the following variables: MinRate (value of the MinRateIndex field received in the PacketRateMode attribute), MaxRate (value of the MaxRateIndex field received in the PacketRateMode attribute), MACMaxRate (RTC_PL_0_1RateIndex corresponding to the maximum rate allowed by the RTC MAC protocol), TargetRate (RateIndex corresponding to the desired rate), SelectedRate (RateIndex corresponding to the selected rate).

      For the first RTC MAC Packet following the start of the test, the access terminal shall set:
      TargetRate = MinRate, and SelectedRate = Min (TargetRate, MACMaxRate).
      For all the subsequent RTC MAC Packets, the access terminal shall choose the rate as follows:
      TargetRate = TargetRate + 1;
      If (TargetRate > MaxRate), TargetRate = MinRate, SelectedRate = Min (TargetRate, MACMaxRate).
    • Configured Packet Payload Size mode (Valid only for Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol): If the Packet Payload Size Mode attribute is sent, AT shall generate RETAP PL_2 Test Packets at a packet size determined by the MinPayloadSize and MaxPayloadSize specified.

      The AT shall obey the following rules to select a Reverse Traffic Channel payload size. The access terminal shall maintain the following variables: MinPayloadSize (value of the MinPayloadSizeIndex field received in the PacketPayloadSizeMode attribute), MaxPayloadSize (value of the MaxPayloadSizeIndex field received in the PacketPayloadSizeMode attribute), MACMaxPayloadSize (RTC_PL_2PayloadSizeIndex corresponding to the maximum payload size allowed by the Subtype 3 Reverse Traffic Channel MAC Protocol), TargetPayloadSize (RTC_PL_2PayloadSizeIndex corresponding to the desired payload size), SelectedPayloadSize (RTC_PL_2PayloadSizeIndex corresponding to the selected payload size)

      For the first RTC MAC Packet following the start of the test, the access terminal shall set:
      TargetPayloadSize = MinPayloadSize, and
      SelectedPayloadSize = Min (TargetPayloadSize, MACMaxPayloadSize).
      For all the subsequent RTC MAC Packets, the access terminal shall choose the payload size as follows:
      TargetPayloadSize = TargetPayloadSize + 1;
      If (TargetPayloadSize > MaxPayloadSize), TargetPayloadSize = MinPayloadSize; and
      SelectedPayloadSize = Min (TargetPayloadSize, MACMaxPayloadSize).
    • Configured Enhanced Access Channel Rate mode (Valid for Subtype 1 and 2 Physical Layer Protocols. The test set does not support Subtype 1 Physical Layer Protocol): If the Enhanced Access Channel Rate Mode attribute is sent, the access terminal shall select an Access Channel rate as follows:
      Min (EnhancedAccessChannelRateIndex, SectorAccessMaxRate).
    • Configured Enhanced Access Channel Rate mode (Valid for Subtype 1 and 2 Physical Layer Protocols. The test set does not support Subtype 1 Physical Layer Protocol): If the Enhanced Access Channel Rate Mode attribute is sent, the access terminal shall select an Access Channel rate as follows:
      Min (EnhancedAccessChannelRateIndex, SectorAccessMaxRate).
    • Burst Period mode (Valid for Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol): If the Burst Period Mode attribute is sent, the access terminal shall generate PL_2 RETAP Test Packet for the specified period (in units of 600 slots). If this attribute is sent, then the BurstSizeMode attribute must also be included.
    • Burst Size mode (Valid for Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol): If the Burst Size Mode attribute is sent, the access terminal shall use the specified burst size generated at the beginning of the PL_2 RETAP Test Packet generation period (in units of 1000 octets).
  • The AT sends an RETAP Parameter Complete message to indicate completion of test configurations specified by the RETAP Parameter Assignment message.
  • For some AT transmitter tests it is required that the R-ACK channel be active. In this case, the FETAP Parameter Assignment message must be sent by the AN, with the ACK Channel Bit Fixed Mode Attribute enabled and ACK Channel Modulation Type Fixed Mode enabled (only for Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol). The AT must then send an FETAP Parameter Complete message.
  • If RETAP Test Packet mode is enabled, the AT sends RETAP Test Packets to the AN.

MCTAP Overview

The MCTAP is specified in terms of two independent protocols: FMCTAP (Forward Multi-carrier Test Application Protocol) and RMCTAP (Reverse Multi-carrier Test Application Protocol). FMCTAP allows testing of the AT's receiver, whereas RMCTAP allows testing of the AT's transmitter. Both the FMCTAP and RMCTAP protocols operate with the Subtype 0 Physical Layer Protocol, Subtype 1 Physical Layer Protocol, Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol and Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocol.

The test set only supports MCTAP to operate with Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocol.

Prior to open an MCTAP connection, verify that the MCTAP (0x000E) is configured for the session (see Test Application Configuration ). FMCTAP or RMCTAP then uses the FMCTAP and RMCTAP Parameter Assignment messages or controlling and configuring the access terminal and the access network for conducting tests as the connection is established.

Forward Multi-carrier Test Application Protocol (FMCTAP)

The FMCTAP allows testing of the access terminal's receiver. FMCTAP provides the procedures and messages used by the access terminal and the access network to:

  • Control the Forward Traffic Channel.
  • Configure the R-ACK and R-DRC Channels (transmit configured ACK Channel bits, DRC values and DRC covers. Also, for Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocol, transmit ACK Channel using configured modulation type).
  • Generate and transmit FMCTAP Test Packets on the Forward Traffic Channel and process the received packets at the AT. The access network shall not use Single User Multiplex Packets and Multi-User Packets upon sending FMCTAP Test Packets.
  • Generate and transmit information about the received FMCTAP Test Packets at the AT through FMCTAP Loop Back Packets sent by the AT.

Basic procedure:

  • MCTAP connection is opened.
  • The AN sends an FMCTAP Parameter Assignment message, which may include the following attributes:
    • DRC Value Fixed mode: If the DRCValueFixedMode attribute is sent, the AT shall set its transmitted DRC (data rate requested from the AN) to the specified DRC Value.
    • DRC Value Fixed mode MC: If the DRCValueFixedModeMC attribute is sent, the AT shall set its transmitted DRC (data rate requested from the AN) for multi-carrier to the specified DRC Value.
    • DRC Cover Fixed mode: If the DRCCoverFixedMode attribute is sent, the AT shall set its transmitted DRC Cover (sector cover associated with the current serving sector) to the specified DRC Cover.
    • DRC Cover Fixed mode MC: If the DRCCoverFixedModeMC attribute is sent, the AT shall set its transmitted DRC Cover (sector cover associated with the current serving sector) for multi-carrier to the specified DRC Cover per sub-active set.
    • ACK Channel Bit Fixed mode: If the ACKChannelBitFixedMode attribute (see ACK Channel Bit Fixed Mode Attribute ) is sent, the AT shall transmit the specified ACK Channel Bit during every slot. If the specified ACK Channel Bit is `1' (NACK), then the AT shall receive the packets as if they were all of full-length duration, and continue receiving them until the full-length in slots has elapsed, even if the packet was successfully decoded earlier. If the ACK Channel Bit value is '0' (ACK), the access terminal shall receive packets on the Forward Traffic Channel as if all the packets were successfully received in one slot duration. Even if a packet has not been successfully decoded in a single slot and its full-length in slots is greater than one, the access terminal shall stop receiving the packet after one slot.
    • ACK Channel Bit Fixed mode MC: If the ACKChannelBitFixedModeMC attribute is sent, the AT shall transmit the specified ACK Channel Bit for multi-carrier during every slot. If the specified ACK Channel Bit is `1' (NACK), then the AT shall receive the packets as if they were all of full-length duration, and continue receiving them until the full-length in slots has elapsed, even if the packet was successfully decoded earlier. If the ACK Channel Bit value is '0' (ACK), the access terminal shall receive packets on the Forward Traffic Channel as if all the packets were successfully received in one slot duration. Even if a packet has not been successfully decoded in a single slot and its full-length in slots is greater than one, the access terminal shall stop receiving the packet after one slot.
    • Loop Back mode: If the LoopBackMode attribute is sent, the AT shall transmit FMCTAP Loop Back Packets on the Reverse Traffic Channel.
    • Loop Back mode MC: If the LoopBackModeMC attribute is sent, the AT shall transmit FMCTAP Loop Back Packets for multi-carrier on the Reverse Traffic Channel. The AT sends one or more FMCTAP Loop Back Packets for every 16-slot interval aligned to the CDMA System Time (every frame), indicating how many FMCTAP Test Packets were successfully decoded in each frame. (Depending upon the Forward Traffic Channel data rate, from 1 to 16 valid FMCTAP Test Packets are sent in each frame, but the standard specifies that only half of these packets be directed to the AT under test. See AT Directed Packets .) An FMCTAP Loop Back Packet is sent even if no FMCTAP Test Packets are received during the frame.
    • ACK Channel Modulation Type Fixed mode: If the ACKChannelModulationTypeFixedMode attribute is sent, the AT shall use the specified modulation for transmission of the ACK channel.
    • ACK Channel Modulation Type Fixed mode MC: If the ACKChannelModulationTypeFixedModeMC attribute is sent, the AT shall use the specified modulation for transmission of the ACK channel for multi-carrier. If this attribute is sent, then the ACK Channel Bit Fixed Mode MC attribute must also be included. The specified ACK Channel Modulation Type can be set to 0x00 (BPSK) or 0x01 (OOK).
  • The AT sends an FMCTAP Parameter Complete message to indicate completion of test configurations specified by the FMCTAP Parameter Assignment message.
  • The access network and the access terminal exchange FMCTAP Test Packets and FMCTAP Loop Back Packets (if Loop Back Mode is enabled).
  • The AN calculates Packet Error Rate (PER) based on the number of FMCTAP Test Packets sent to the AT and the number successfully decoded by the AT.

Reverse Multi-carrier Test Application Protocol (RMCTAP)

The RMCTAP allows testing of the access terminal's transmitter. RMCTAP provides the procedures and messages used by the access terminal and the access network to:

  • Control and configure the Reverse Traffic Channel.
  • Generate PL_3 RMCTAP Test Packets at the access terminal and transmit packets at the configured Reverse Traffic Channel payload sizes for multi-carrier on the Reverse Traffic Channel. Includes support for multiple concurrent reverse traffic channels as specified in Multi-carrier RTC MAC Protocol. Process the received packets at the access network. Valid only for Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocol.
  • Transmit packets at the configured Reverse Traffic Channel payload sizes. Valid 22 only for Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocol [1].
  • Transmit packets at the configured Enhanced Access Channel rates. Valid only for Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocols.

Basic procedure:

  • MCTAP connection is opened.
  • The AN sends an RMCTAP Parameter Assignment message, which may include the following attributes:
    • RMCTAP Test Packet mode: If the RMCTAP Test Pkt Enable attribute is sent, the AT shall generate a PL_3 RMCTAP Test Packet for a link flow for each active RL channel, as appropriate, for every 4-slot interval aligned to the CDMA System Time that begins a new transmission of an RTC MAC Packet containing a PL_3 RMCTAP Test Packet.
    • Packet Payload Size mode: If the PacketPayloadSizeMode attribute (Valid only for Subtype 2 Physical Layer Protocol) is sent, AT shall generate RMCTAP PL_2 Test Packets at a specified packet size.
    • Packet Payload Size mode MC: If the PacketPayloadSizeModeMC attribute (Valid only for Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocol) is sent, AT shall generate RMCTAP PL_3 Test Packets per active RL channel at a specified packet size. The packet size is determined by the MinPayloadSize and MaxPayloadSize specified.

      The AT shall obey the following rules to select a Reverse Traffic Channel payload size. The access terminal shall maintain the following variables: MinPayloadSize (value of the MinPayloadSizeIndex field received in the PacketPayloadSizeMode attribute), MaxPayloadSize (value of the MaxPayloadSizeIndex field received in the PacketPayloadSizeMode attribute), MACMaxPayloadSize (RTC_PL_2PayloadSizeIndex or RTC_PL_3PayloadSizeIndex corresponding to the maximum payload size allowed by the Subtype 3 Reverse Traffic Channel MAC Protocol), TargetPayloadSize (RTC_PL_2PayloadSizeIndex or RTC_PL_3PayloadSizeIndex corresponding to the desired payload size), SelectedPayloadSize (RTC_PL_2PayloadSizeIndex or RTC_PL_3PayloadSizeIndex corresponding to the selected payload size)

      For the first RTC MAC Packet following the start of the test, the access terminal shall set:
      TargetPayloadSize = MinPayloadSize, and
      SelectedPayloadSize = Min (TargetPayloadSize, MACMaxPayloadSize).
      For all the subsequent RTC MAC Packets, the access terminal shall choose the payload size as follows:
      TargetPayloadSize = TargetPayloadSize + 1;
      If (TargetPayloadSize > MaxPayloadSize), TargetPayloadSize = MinPayloadSize; and
      SelectedPayloadSize = Min (TargetPayloadSize, MACMaxPayloadSize).
    • Configured Enhanced Access Channel Rate mode: If the EnhancedAccessChannelRateMode attribute is sent, the access terminal shall select an Access Channel rate as follows:
      Min (EnhancedAccessChannelRateIndex, SectorAccessMaxRate).
    • Burst Period mode: If the BurstPeriodMode attribute (only for Subtype 2 and Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocol) is sent, the access terminal shall generate PL_2_3 RMCTAP Test Packet for the specified period.
    • Burst Size mode (only for Subtype 2 and Subtype 3 Physical Layer Protocol): If the BurstSizeMode attribute is sent, the access terminal shall use the specified burst size generated at the beginning of the PL_2_3 RMCTAP Test Packet generation period.
  • The AT sends an RMCTAP Parameter Complete message to indicate completion of test configurations specified by the RMCTAP Parameter Assignment message.
  • If RMCTAP Test Packet mode is enabled, the AT sends RMCTAP Test Packets to the AN.

Related Topics


Test Application Protocol

Enhanced Test Application Protocol

Multi-carrier Test Application Protocol

TAP/ETAP/MCTAP Data Connection Call Flow

TAP/ETAP/MCTAP Data Connection Processing States Lifecycle