An ordered storage structure implemented based on a content addressable memory (CAM). In an embodiment, a set of identifiers are formed with an order matching a desired access order for items. Each item is stored with a corresponding identifier in an entry of the CAM, with the identifiers being stored in the searchable fields/columns of the CAM. Thus, the items can be retrieved in the desired access order by providing the identifiers as search key inputs to the CAM in the desired access order.