1. A local sorting module comprising: a first data storage element; a second data storage element, wherein the first and second data storage elements are operatively connected via a first comparator; a third data storage element, wherein the second and third data storage elements are operatively connected via a second comparator; a fourth data storage element, wherein the third and fourth data storage elements are operatively connected via a third comparator, and the first and fourth data storage elements are operatively connected via a fourth comparator; and wherein the first, second, third, and fourth comparators are configured to logically compare data stored in adjacent ones of the first, second, third, and fourth data storage elements according to a sorting order indicated by a processor.