In information and communication technology, what does the acronym WIMAX stand for?

Introduction / Context:
This question is from computer and communication technology. WIMAX is a standard related to broadband wireless access. Many exams test the full forms of common communication and networking acronyms. Knowing what each letter stands for helps candidates avoid confusion with similar sounding terms and shows familiarity with basic telecom concepts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The acronym in question is WIMAX.
• All options expand the letters into phrases involving wireless, wired, worldwide and microwave access.
• We assume standard usage based on international telecommunication standards.

Concept / Approach:
WIMAX is associated with the IEEE 802.16 family of standards and is designed for long range wireless broadband connections. The correct expansion highlights both its global standardisation and the use of microwave spectrum. The word Interoperability emphasises that various equipment can work together under the same standard. Hence the correct full form is Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Break down the acronym: WI and MAX. Step 2: Recall that WIMAX was promoted as a global standard, so the term Worldwide fits correctly. Step 3: The standard emphasises interoperability between equipment from different vendors. Step 4: The technology works over microwave frequencies for broadband wireless access. Step 5: Combining these ideas gives the standard expansion Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, which corresponds to option C.

Verification / Alternative check:
Technical literature and exam guides often show WIMAX alongside Wi-Fi. The full form is written as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access and is tied to the WIMAX Forum, an industry alliance that certifies interoperability. None of the alternative expansions are used in official documents, confirming that option C is the only correct one.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access) is close but incorrect because it replaces Worldwide with Wireless, which does not match the official standard name.
Option B (Wired Interoperability for Microwave Access) is wrong since WIMAX is a wireless standard, not wired.
Option D (Worldwide Infrastructure for Microwave Access) is incorrect; the key word infrastructure is not part of the official expansion.
Option E (Wireless Internet for Mobile Access Exchange) is also wrong and appears to be a distractor with loosely related words.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is to misremember Worldwide as Wireless in the expansion because both words begin with W and the technology is wireless. Another mistake is to assume that any combination of plausible sounding words is acceptable. For full form based questions, exact wording matters, so candidates should memorise the correct expansions from reliable sources during revision.

Final Answer:
WIMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access.