Method and apparatus for diagnosing connectivity problems from a network management station

A network management station manages multiple devices on a network, which may include storage appliances, caching appliances, and other devices. The network management station includes software that assists a network administrator by diagnosing a connectivity problem relating to a device on the network. To diagnose the connectivity problem, the software attempts to communicate with the device from the management station by separately using each of multiple communication protocols, including one or more device type-specific protocols. The software identifies possible causes for the connectivity problem based on the results of using the different protocols. The software generates a graphical user interface indicating the individual results of attempting to communicate with the device using the different protocols and the possible causes for the connectivity problem. Based on the information presented, the administrator can more effectively troubleshoot the connectivity problem.