A method for configuring a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless communication begins by generating a first preamble for a first antenna of the MIMO communication, wherein the first preamble includes a carrier detect field, a first channel select field, a first signal field, and a second signal field. The method continues by generating a second preamble for at least one other antenna of the MIMO communication, wherein the second preamble includes the carrier detect field, a plurality of channel select fields, and the second signal field. The method continues by simultaneously transmitting the carrier detect field via the first antenna and the least one other antenna. The method continues by transmitting the first channel select field and the first signal field via the first antenna. The method continues by, subsequent to the transmitting the first channel select field and the first signal field via the first antenna, transmitting the plurality of channel select fields via the at least one other antenna. The method continues by simultaneously transmitting the second signal field via the first antenna and the at least one other antenna.