What does halo reach beta mean

Halo Reach is essenetially Halo 4, but it is based before Halo CE (Halo 1). It is due to come out in Autumn (Fall) 2010. The beta is a multiplayer test of the game by owners of Halo 3: ODST and will begin on 3rd May 2010. There were also similar beta tests for Halo 2 and Halo 3. Halo 3 beta contained only matchmaking and 3 maps: Highground, Snowbound and Valhalla. Thus I expect the Halo Reach beta to be similar.