The Look-Aside Interface is a computer interface that was specified by an interface interoperability agreement produced by the Network Processing Forum.
It specifies the method to interface a Network Processing Element (of which an NPU is an example) to a Network Search Element (of which a CAM is an example).
The interface is used by devices that off-load certain tasks from the network processor.
Numerous devices which implement the LA interface have been produced.
Companies which have implemented these devices include Integrated Device Technology and Cypress Semiconductor.