This question matches the core components of the Palo Alto Networks Security Operating Platform to their functions.

• The Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) is the foundational network security component. Its primary role is to inspect all traffic passing through it, using technologies like App-ID and Content-ID to identify and block known threats based on signatures and policies.
• Advanced Endpoint Protection, represented by products like Cortex XDR, operates directly on endpoints (e.g., laptops, servers). It focuses on preventing sophisticated attacks by inspecting local files and processes, using exploit prevention techniques to stop both known and unknown (zero-day) threats that might evade network-level defenses.
• The Threat Intelligence Cloud (e.g., WildFire) serves as the central brain. It collects threat data from all deployed NGFWs and endpoints, analyzes unknown files and behaviors in a cloud sandbox, and then automatically disseminates the newly discovered threat intelligence back to all security components to provide updated protection.

Palo Alto Networks, "What Is a Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)?". This document describes the NGFW's function: "A next-generation firewall (NGFW) is a network security device that provides visibility and control over applications, users, and content within the network. These firewalls... provide the ability to identify attacks, malware, and other threats, and they are able to block these threats from entering the network." This aligns with "Identifies and inspects all traffic to block known threats."

Palo Alto Networks, "Cortex XDR Datasheet". The datasheet details the capabilities of Advanced Endpoint Protection: "The Cortex XDR agent stops exploits by blocking the techniques they use to manipulate applications... It scrutinizes chains of events to identify malicious activity, revealing the root cause of every alert. It terminates malicious processes and prevents them from running." This directly corresponds to "Inspects processes and files to prevent known and unknown exploits."

Palo Alto Networks, "What is WildFire?". This resource explains the function of the Threat Intelligence Cloud: "WildFire® cloud-based threat analysis service is the industry’s most advanced analysis and prevention engine for highly evasive zero-day exploits and malware... When a Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall, endpoint, or cloud security product detects an unknown file... it can automatically forward the sample to the WildFire service... The service then automatically disseminates protections to all subscribers globally." This matches "Gathers, analyzes, correlates, and disseminates threats."