1. A reconfigurable bit-manipulation node, comprising: an execution unit configured to perform a plurality of bit-oriented functions; and a control unit configured to control the execution unit to allow one of the plurality of bit-oriented functions to be performed; wherein the execution unit includes a plurality of elements interconnected with one another to allow the plurality of bit-oriented functions to be performed, the plurality of elements including a programmable butterfly unit, a plurality of non-programmable butterfly units, a plurality of data path elements, a look-up-table memory and a reorder memory; and wherein the execution unit is capable of engaging in one of a plurality of operating modes to perform the plurality of bit-oriented functions, the plurality of operating modes including a programmable mode and a plurality of fixed operating modes.