In accordance with one example embodiment, a system configured for programming a network layer multicast address entry in a routing table of an ingress line card module is disclosed. The network layer multicast address entry includes a network layer address associated with at least one egress line card. The system is further configured for programming a data link layer multicast routing address entry in a routing table of a fabric card module in which the data link layer multicast routing address entry corresponds to the network layer multicast address entry.