Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access is a technology standard for long-range wireless networks for both mobile and fixed connections. Although WiMAX was once seen as a leading form of Internet communications as an alternative to cable and DSL, its adoption has been limited.

WiMAX is not a replacement for Wi-Fi or wireless hotspot technologies, mainly because of its much higher cost. However, it can be less expensive to implement WiMAX instead of standard wired hardware such as DSL.

WiMAX equipment comes in two basic forms: base stations, which are installed by service providers to deploy the technology in a coverage area, and receivers, which are installed at clients.

WiMAX was developed by an industry consortium overseen by a group called the WiMAX Forum, which certifies WiMAX equipment to ensure it meets technical specifications. The technology is based on the IEEE 802.16 set of wide-area communications standards.