[KayEyeDoubleDee]

lump together that which is actually a radio physical layer and a cellular network layer.

I don't know what the latter means. Do you mean the network of base station controllers?

[apochromat]

I'm saying that the MA grant mechanism can be distinct from the CD-based physical channel format. From an engineering standpoint, a empty channel CD multiplex link format can be built without concern for MA protocol, and MA capability can then be applied in a wide variety of ways.

[apochromat]

To put it simply, the coded channels are one thing that defines part of the physical protocol, and getting an open coded channel is completely another. Link protocol (data formatting) and "MA" (network control protocol) are essentially separately designed and can be separately reprogrammed without changing the channel codes, which are the "CD" part.

[apochromat]

Re: "cellular network layer"

Do you mean the network of base station controllers?

The cellular network layer consists of the channel-access handshaking capability that is required in the base stations and also in the terminals.

The physical layer would include the modulation/demodulation specification, with its accompanying specification for the physical signal waveforms.

The link layer would include the format for dividing the physical multiplex channel into uplink/downlink payload channels and uplink/downlink control channels.

The network layer would use the control channels to arrange data sourcing for the payload channels.