A method and apparatus for routing multiple data streams simultaneously through independent routes between multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) stations in a mesh network. The disclosed feature allows transmission of multiple data streams via multiple routes from a source station (STA) to a destination station (STA), which are both MIMO capable, even though the relay STAs in between can be a single-input-single-output (SISO) STA. An extended routing request (RREQ) and routing reply (RREP) frames are utilized which provide a primary and secondary flag indication, which is utilized in combination with advanced programming for setting path cost metrics to assure independence of primary and secondary routes.