A method for transmitting high rate data within a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) wireless local area network (WLAN) begins by determining a data transmission rate. The method continues by, when the data transmission rate is between a first data rate and a second data rate, enabling two transmission paths. The method continues by, for each of the two transmission paths, determining at least one of: level of constellation, number of data subcarriers, rate code, and cyclic prefix duration.