Analysis of reusability of communication switching software based on C++ object-oriented design

This paper describes key technologies for the reuse of software in a communication switching node system. Software reuse is one of the most promising methods for enhancing software productivity. A software platform we have established allows easy porting of software components, especially device management programs. It uses C++ object oriented programming techniques. In particular, inheritance and polymorphism enhance reusability because they facilitate management of software components. Analysis of the reusability of device management programs among several node systems showed that only about 20% of the programs (based on program size) need to be coded in a new system if software components are ported from existing programs. Our software platform is expected to be widely used for next-generation communication switching systems.