A method and an apparatus for configuration of multiple context processing elements (MCPEs)are described. According to one aspect of the invention, the structure that joins the MCPE cores into a complete array in one embodiment is actually a set of several mesh-like interconnect structures. Each interconnect structure forms a network, and each network is independent in that it uses different paths, but the networks join at MCPE input switches. The network structure of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a local area broadcast network (level 1), a switched interconnect network (level 2), a shared bus network (level 3), and a broadcast network. In one embodiment, the level 3 network is used to carry configuration data for the MCPEs while the broadcast network is used to carry configuration data for the level 3 network drivers and switches. In one embodiment, the level 3 network is bidirectional and dynamically routable.