A virtual provider edge cluster for use in an sdn architecture

A sub-system is described which is operative to be used as a virtual Provider Edge (v PE) cluster of an SDN communication system. The sub-system comprises a plurality of network elements, wherein the v PE cluster further comprises one or more virtual routing engines for routing traffic to/from the plurality of network elements, the one or more virtual routing engines are configured to communicate with a managing entity and with a plurality of virtual forwarding engines, and wherein the managing entity is configured to manage operation of the one or more virtual routing engines and the plurality of virtual forwarding engines. According to another aspect, the sub-system comprises a plurality of network elements and a managing entity, wherein the network elements having each one or more ports to convey traffic therethrough, and wherein at least one of the ports associated with the sub-system is configured to serve a plurality of customers.