1. A method for locally controlling a first multiple context processing element (MCPE) of a plurality of MCPEs, the first MCPE having network ports connecting the plurality of MCPEs to the first MCPE, the first MCPE being configured to store one or more contexts, the method comprising: receiving information in the first MCPE; and manipulating a context of the first MCPE in response to the received information and configuration information, wherein the plurality of contexts include a plurality of major contexts of configuration memory describing the operation of the first MCPE.