Which standard governs the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)?

The standard that governs the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is IEEE 802.16. This standard defines the technical specifications for wireless metropolitan area networks (WMANs), providing a framework for broadband wireless access across a wide area. WiMAX utilizes this standard to deliver high-speed internet access and is particularly designed for wireless communication over longer distances compared to other standards like Wi-Fi, which is based on IEEE 802.11.

IEEE 802.11 pertains to wireless local area networks (WLANs), primarily for short-range communication, which makes it unsuitable for the broader applications of WiMAX. Meanwhile, IEEE 802.15 focuses on wireless personal area networks (WPANs), commonly utilized for connecting devices like peripherals or sensors over short distances. Lastly, IEEE 802.3 is the standard for wired Ethernet, which doesn't apply to the wireless context of WiMAX. Thus, IEEE 802.16 is the correct choice as it encompasses the capabilities and technological requirements needed for WiMAX implementation.