Vpnv4 route control for lte x2 son using import route maps and outbound route filtering

Abstract

In an embodiment, a network device automatically creates a more optimal route entry for inter-base station traffic to be transmitted between a local base station and a remote base station. The network device automatically discovers a remote IP address of the remote base station used for inter-base station traffic based upon traffic transmitted by the local base station destined to the network device or traffic transmitted between the local and remote base stations. In response, the network device inserts an entry into a route import map representing the remote IP address, and based upon determining that a route from a route update message matches this entry, installs the more optimal route entry into the routing table. This route provides a shorter path to the remote base station through the backhaul network compared to a less optimal route through a mobile core network previously used for the inter-base station traffic.