Imported from previous forum
Hi,
I am Vijay, an analyst programmer, and i have been involved in various interface designs that comply and utilise the FIX PROTOCOL.
I have an issue, regarding the HeartBeat and the Test Request Messages.
I understand, that a heartbeat message(Msg Type 0)is sent by either of the participants of the active session, establishing the connection between them, when either of them, does not send any messages in the span on the (HeartbeatINt) time interval.
This Heartbeat time interval, is mutually agreed and adhered to by both the participants.
However, if a party has not recieved any messges for a span of the (HeatbeatINt + (a fixed time) secs) then a TEST REQUEST Message ( Msg type 1) is sent by that party.
The Other party in this case, responds with a Heartbeat Message , with the TestReqId - relating and differentiating this particular hearbeat message, with the Testrequest as compared to other normal Heartbeat Messages.
On the Other hand, Test Requests can be also sent at free will, if a heartbeat messages has to be expected by the other.
Taking into account these messages sending/recieving rules, i have the folliwing question.
WHY A TEST REQUEST MESSAGE AT ALL ???
Is this valid, cause if heartbeats are sent exactly when they are needed to be sent, then why does the Test request message exist ???
In which other cases have the Test Request Messages have to be sent???
Please do reply
regards
VIJAY ANTONY ALEN