A method and apparatus is disclosed for method and apparatus for maintaining network performance in a communication system. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network management server (NMS) that manages operations of a communication system including an access office (AO) coupled to a plurality of base terminals (BTs) by way of a corresponding plurality of network elements. The NMS can have a network configuration element that identifies for each of the plurality of BTs a plurality of resultant communication paths to the AO according to a plurality of differential delays calculated from alternative communication paths connecting combinations of the BTs to the AO for each of a plurality of change scenarios affecting the plurality of network elements, wherein the network configuration element arranges portions of the plurality of BTs into a corresponding plurality of groups, and selects for each BT in a select one of the plurality of groups its corresponding plurality of resultant communication paths to the AO according to differential delays calculated for alternative communication paths associated with combinations of BTs in the selected group and the plurality of change scenarios affecting the selected group. Additional embodiments are disclosed.