Multicast transmission in an optical network includes receiving a primary token at a root node of the optical network authorizing the point-to-multipoint data transmission from the root node to a plurality of branch nodes of the optical network. It is determined whether the root node comprises a virtual output queue associated specifically with the branch nodes included on the point-to-multipoint transmission. The virtual output queue is created that is associated specifically with the branch nodes included in the point-to-multipoint transmission if it is determined the root node does not comprise such a queue. The data is placed in the virtual output queue for transmission to the branch nodes. A control message is transmitted to each branch node identifying the point-to-multipoint data transmission, and the control message facilitates creation of a virtual output queue at the branch nodes associated specifically with any other branch nodes that are to receive the data transmission via the branch node at which the virtual output queue is created. The data is transmitted to a first one of the branch nodes.