Method and apparatus for dynamically prioritize network faults based on real-time service degradation

A method and apparatus of an alarm management system ( 114 ) for dynamically prioritizing network conditions for a communication system ( 100 ) is disclosed. The alarm management system includes a receiver ( 116 ) and processor ( 118 ) for receiving one of a plurality of alarm conditions indicating a fault in a device within the communication system and classifying the alarm condition. The alarm management system also determines a status of the device and rates the alarm by comparing the classification of the alarm condition with the status of the device. The rated alarm condition can then be ranked against another of the plurality of alarms. The alarm management system then re-evaluates the ranking of alarm condition by repeating the determining and rating steps and then ranks the re-evaluated rated alarm condition against other alarm conditions.