A method for beamforming in a multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) communication system includes receiving a non-sounding data unit, where the non-sounding data unit does not include an indication that the data unit is for estimating a MIMO communication channel, developing an estimate of a reverse channel in which the non-sounding data unit travels based on the non-sounding data unit, developing an estimate of a forward channel based on the estimate of the reverse channel, and developing a steering matrix to perform beamforming in the forward channel based on the estimate of the forward channel.