A method for multicast packet transmission, executable in a software defined network having at least one input port, at least two output ports, and at least one network node. Switching rules are generated for transmitting at least one packet of a multicast group from an input port to an output port. For a given external traffic consumer, which is the first to request the multicast group, a shortest path from a given input port to a given output port, associated with the given external traffic consumer, is determined. For a subsequent external traffic consumer requesting the at least one multicast group, a shortest path from a network node closest to an output port of the subsequent external traffic consumer, where the switching rules for the multicast group are set, is determined.