Finite State Machines in Network Software

Software engineers frequently deal with state machines and protocols while building telecommunications systems. Finite state machines have grown to become an essential tool for designing and implementing networks due to their ability to model complicated behaviour in a structured and efficient manner. They offer a framework for defining systems as a collection of states and transitions, enabling programmers to create software that can respond to a variety of situations and events. This thesis explores the use of finite state machines in network software, exploring their various applications, advantages, and limitations with a focus on cellular technologies and mobile communications. The study covers a wide range of state machine methods, including control structures, Unified Modelling Language, Specification and Description Language, state patterns, state machine frameworks, and code generators. The objectives of the research include a comprehensive review of existing state machine techniques, analysis of their relative merits as well as shortcomings, modelling and implementation of selected methods to evaluate their effectiveness, and identification of required features to meet network requirements. The thesis compares the Boost Meta State Machine against the TeleNokia Specification and Description Language for a case study followed by a feature-based comparison of quality attributes to evaluate their performance in areas such as system design, development, and evolution and maintenance. The results show that the Boost framework is better suited as a state machine implementation technique for most network software application scenarios. Finally, the thesis identifies potential directions for further research and technical approaches to address the issues discussed, highlighting emerging trends and technologies that are likely to shape the future of this important area of network architecture