Disclosed is a network processor configured to provide for dynamic service provisioning. A global connector defines a topology of packet processing functions that can be dynamically ordered to provide varying functionality. The global connector may be configured before or during the operation of the network processor. Such a system allows a network processor to provide additional functionality in a relatively easy manner, without necessitating changes to the packet processing functions themselves. Such dynamic service provisioning may include dynamic topology changes, which allows a network processor to reconfigure the structure or operation of multiple processing elements of the processor.