PortQry is unique because it can send protocol-specific queries to "talk" to a service and verify it is functioning, rather than just checking if the port is open: Using the PortQry command-line tool - Windows Server
Unlike simple ping tools, PortQry can distinguish between a port (blocked by a firewall) and a listening port (actively accepting connections).
portqry -n dns-server -p udp -r 53 53