[Q] deprioritizing network blocks in wpa_supplicant; scans forever - General Questions and Answers

I have a hacked device that runs android 2.2
fyi sony reader prs t1.
adb allowed me to fix a wifi encryption setting problem which plagued many other official phones, by editing wpa_supplicant.conf
So now, when I'm in range of that hotspot (office), the network{} block is set right in wpa_supplicant.conf, with priority=2 against my home network priority=1.
But, when I'm at home, it does not connect.
Others have thought it's an issue with setting wireless standbye.
My testing controls for this. With standard wpa_supplicant.conf that is missing this hi security network block, the device scans and reveals all local networks and lets me pick.
With my custom wpa_supplicant.conf, it scans forever and never connects and never even shows a list of local wifi hotspots.
So, it's obviously waiting to discover that far away network, instead of listing it as "out of range".
This only happens after I reboot. If I load an empty wpa_supplicant.conf, turn off and on the wifi, then the local networks come up.
If I then load the custom wpa_supplicant.conf, cycle the wifi, again all shows up as it should.
Upon reboot with the custom conf file, just scans forever.
So, is there a way that I can tell wpa_supplicant to relax or ignore that custom network block entry, if it can't see it?
I want to use my device with the custom wpa_supplicant.conf loaded, everywhere. Not to come home, replace the custom wpa config with an empty one and then put back the custom the config before I go to the office.

Related

WPA Enterprise Auth - confirmed working

WiFi on campus here uses WPA enterprise auth - good. I was shocked when I saw that the phone seemingly didn't support it. Network didn't even appear in the list, and Add Network only supports WPA Personal / WEP. How Apple of them. But WHY? It's wpa_supplicant behind the scenes.
I've been using campus wifi successfully for a few days now. It seems to integrate well enough - the wifi settings menu doesn't seem to break at all, the enterprise-authed network and status are listed correctly including the 'lock' icon, etc.
These instructions are slightly modified from being specific to the particular university (posted locally too, you see). If you can rub some braincells together, this can be adapted. The parts regarding a certificates file may or may not be needed in your setup, for example.
* Get a root shell
* cd /data/misc/wifi/
* cat wpa_supplicant.conf
* The existing supplicant config is displayed - copy and paste it into a text editor (the beginning bits are important, as are your existing networks)
* Paste in a working wpa_supplicant.conf section for your network at the end
* Fill in username and password in the new section. Replace the path for cacerts.pem with /data/misc/wifi/cacerts.pem
* Save the new config onto the SD card
* Save the cacerts.pem (same site) onto the SD card also
* On the handset: In the settings/storage menu, disable the SD card for USB storage (otherwise, can't access it from the shell)
* rm wpa_supplicant.conf
* cp would be used here normally, but it isn't in the stock image: dd if=/sdcard/wpa_supplicant.conf of=wpa_supplicant.conf
* chmod 666 wpa_supplicant.conf (Warning! Readable/Writable by EVERYONE! Use 664 such that only root can write it if you want, but this will possibly disallow changes by the settings app - if chown was available, ownership would be reverted back to wifi:wifi)
* dd if=/sdcard/cacerts.pem of=cacerts.pem
* chmod 444 cacerts.pem (needs to be readable by wifi user)
* The network should appear in the wifi menu and connect if you enable wifi. Reboot if not maybe?
Problems:
* Permissions are a bit wonky due to lack of chown. The process would be cleaner with busybox installed (possible with root), but this process is written to work on a stock RC29 handset.
* It will almost surely fail following an update. Try not to give up root before the WiFi UI is patched
* Maybe there's a reason that enterprise auth is absent from the settings UI
* WiFi settings page may or may not break. WiFi settings page may or may not undo your changes.
A quick troubleshooting tip: if you've dealt with wpa_supplicant before, note that wpa_cli is available to root. Helpful to diagnose any issues that crop up.
Enjoy.
How Apple of them. But WHY? It's wpa_supplicant behind the scenes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I suspect it's because the majority of consumers only access wifi networks secured through psk or mac-address. iirc my university used mac-address too. Not sure if that's changed by now. In any case, I wouldn't hold my breath for official support on the G1. Maybe on some future Android device with enterprise in mind.
Anyway, good tips and good first post. Welcome to the forum
busybox has chown
WPA2
Can I ask a question?
The SSID for your campus wifi is not broadcasted, correct? if this is true, then it won't show up and the only way to get access is to add it manually.
Now when you go to add it manually, did you try to change the type of security before you flipped out the keyboard? Just wondering since WPA2 is clearly seen if you have the keyboard in and if you have it out it looks like WPA2 isn't an option but if you try to move the security box with a swipe up with your finger, WPA2 will be shown. I haven't had a single problem attaching to my home or work network using WPA2 PSK since RC19 and beyond.
Yep, busybox has chown - which makes the whole thing cleaner and safer. My instructions were written originally with no assumptions as to previous modding, incl how to get telnet.
The wifi network here does broadcast, but is filtered out due to "unsupported" security. Add network lists wpa2 personal but not enterprise.
I modified my wpa_supplicant.conf file using your instructions and it worked!
Thanks!
Dave
vSymm said:
How Apple of them. But WHY? It's wpa_supplicant behind the scenes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because there's a substantial amount of UI work that needs to be done for WPA2-Enterprise compared with the relatively common WPA2-PSK.
My advice? If official support is something you'd like, go write it and submit a patch to the Android devs.
Not working
I can't get this to work. It says "failed to start wifi".
My non-enterprise wifi won't even work now. It connects but apps say network error.
I am trying to connect to my university's wifi that is "Secure 802.1X authentication and EAP-TTLS with PAP inner-authentication (anonymous)"
Can anyone give me an example config for this? It doesn't use a certificate.
Confirm that the permissions were set correctly on wpa_supplicant.conf
I'm sure you can find an example for that particular setup online somewhere.
happyface_0 said:
I can't get this to work. It says "failed to start wifi".
My non-enterprise wifi won't even work now. It connects but apps say network error.
I am trying to connect to my university's wifi that is "Secure 802.1X authentication and EAP-TTLS with PAP inner-authentication (anonymous)"
Can anyone give me an example config for this? It doesn't use a certificate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try this:
adb shell
cd /data/misc/wifi
chown 1010:1010 wpa_supplicant.conf
Worked for me too, but the connection was really unstable. I've added the option bssid to wpa_supplicant.conf to prevent roaming. Now it works really well on my desk, but I haven´t tried the rest of the company.
need help connecting
I'm trying to connect to a campus network, I see the SSID detected (as following), and It tries to connect and aborts by itself.
my wpa_supplicant.conf shows this:
network={
ssid="Techwifi"
scan_ssid=1
key_mgmt=NONE
priority=2
}
hey guys,
will this also work with WPA2 and EAP/TTLS with PAP?
or do you know when this feature will be integrated?
thaks a lot
linulli said:
hey guys,
will this also work with WPA2 and EAP/TTLS with PAP?
or do you know when this feature will be integrated?
thaks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I have it working.
Code:
network={
ssid="ssidname"
scan_ssid=1
key_mgmt=WPA-EAP
eap=TTLS
identity="user"
password="pass"
phase2="auth=PAP"
}
Note: It seems to drain my G1's battery pretty nicely and it starts to get hot after being connected for a bit. Also, my G1 added disabled=1 to the end of this network after the ADP1 v1.1 update, strange.
Thanks happyface_0,
so I will have a few minutes online.
Is there a way to alter your wpa_supplicant settings on an unrooted German G1 , or how can i downgrade and then alter the settings, does anyone know?
I'd love to know that too, i really want to use wifi at work.
Can we do anything to help you help us?
Maybe someone with a US RC33 can look if the WPA 2 Enterprise support finally made it into the gui of the G1 , then our problem would be solved ,
can´t find something on the net which says that WPA 2 Enterprise was part of the Internet .
So please can somebody look up his or her connection settings for wlan and tell us if WPA 2 Enterprise is available now?
Gedomania said:
Maybe someone with a US RC33 can look if the WPA 2 Enterprise support finally made it into the gui of the G1 , then our problem would be solved ,
can´t find something on the net which says that WPA 2 Enterprise was part of the Internet .
So please can somebody look up his or her connection settings for wlan and tell us if WPA 2 Enterprise is available now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Neither WPA-Enterprise nor WPA-2 Enterprise are available yet without actually editing the wpa_supplicant configuration manually, even on RC33.
Hmm thats pretty sad, is it actually possible to write a program which can edit the Wpa_supplicant file so that we can manually insert the settings we need to get WPA 2 Enterprise working , even on phones without root?

[Q] Wifi Scanner Hidden APs, is there an app for this?!?

Hello,
Is there an Wifi Scanner App that can scan Wifi hidden APs and display those same APs ?!?!
Until now, I used about 3 to 4 Wifi Scanner apps, but none of them seems to scan any hidden APs...
I removed my home AP (it doesn't broadcast the SSID) from the phone's wifi list, and when I try to search for it with the several wifi scanner apps, none found my SSID as well dozen of others hidden SSIDs near my home... (that I know are out there...)
I'm coming from WinMo, and the 2 or 3 apps that I worked with, all of them had this feature. I found this very strange...
Is this a google policy, or suddenly the app makers forgot about this feature?!?!
I say this cause, on winmo I used the Wififofum app, and the same app in android lacks the ability to show hidden SSIDs...
Is there any app out there that can do this??
Try WiFi Analyzer 2.5.1
ParrotSquawk said:
Try WiFi Analyzer 2.5.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I was going to wait until I got into work to check, but I'm 99% sure Wifi Analyzer shows them, plus it's damn awesome for channel planning.
ParrotSquawk said:
Try WiFi Analyzer 2.5.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried but it doesn't show hidden SSIDs
It was the first app that I use since I began using android on my old Touch HD, but only know I realize that it doesn't show hidden SSIDs...
I tried Wifi Analizer, G-Mon, Wififofum and none will display them...
What a big ashame... this was the last thing that I didn't expect not to have on a linux based mobile OS... or google has a policy do disable this type of scan (Apple does have one, does not even allow an app to do kind of wifi scan...) or it's developer's fault...
onesolo said:
I tried but it doesn't show hidden SSIDs
It was the first app that I use since I began using android on my old Touch HD, but only know I realize that it doesn't show hidden SSIDs...
I tried Wifi Analizer, G-Mon, Wififofum and none will display them...
What a big ashame... this was the last thing that I didn't expect not to have on a linux based mobile OS... or google has a policy do disable this type of scan (Apple does have one, does not even allow an app to do kind of wifi scan...) or it's developer's fault...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stop with the FUD, Wifi Analyzer DOES show hidden SSIDs. Period. I just checked it here. All of our corporate AP's are hidden to make it more annoying and difficult for us to navigate the already silly set of parameters required to get online wireless without any actual increased security....
What FUD?!?!?!
At my home and here at my work, two APs that I manage myself and both are not broadcasting SSIDs, if I remove from my Wifi Networks lists (in android settings) they simply don't show up on Wifi Analyzer!! I'm not lying about this!!!
Of course, if you have your hidden APs on the Wifi Networks they will also show on Wifi Analyzer... it's simple as that...
Another test,
With Wififofum working on Windows Mobile (on a Touch HD) at home (I live in a home building near other home buildings), I gather more than the double Wifi networks (most are hidden) than I get with Wififofum or Wifi Analyzer in Android....
I'm having the exact same problem with my HTC thunderbolt.
That's because that's how WiFi works.
An access point sends out periodic broadcasts announcing itself. If SSID hiding is enabled, those broadcasts don't have the SSID included.
So how can software tell what the SSID is? By waiting for a system to associate with (connect to) the AP. The connecting system transmits the SSID of the system it's connecting to as part of the association handshake. Software that watches for these connections can tell you what the SSID is for that AP. The problem is that at home you've probably got very few new connections being set up so you may have to wait for a very long time to catch a SSID. At a workplace, it's much more likely you'll catch the SSID in a short period of time.
I use WiFi Buddy on my dinc and it seems to work fine.
I think what you are telling is almost irrelevant ... The thing is... By default Android don't reveal any hidden SSDI. If it by default/design or any security measure by google, I don't know...
Too bad no developer won't code an app to do this (if possible to do)
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Windows mobile will show hidden wireless access points and routers that have broadcast SSID disabled, they show up as a hardware address, you can connect to them if you know the name.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Maverick_TN said:
Windows mobile will show hidden wireless access points and routers that have broadcast SSID disabled, they show up as a hardware address, you can connect to them if you know the name.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right... but I also can connect to a AP or WIFI Router that has broadcast SSID disabled in Android... the same in (old) WinMobile...
What does not exist in Android, is that there's no 3rd apps that can show those AP and Wifi Routers with broadcast SSID disabled... it beyond me...
Exactly.... You would figure that Wifi Analyzer would show it as good as it is. But sadly, it and everything else doesn't :-(
Hard to plan for channel usage if you can't see what else is operating in range unless its broadcasting.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App
So still no app to show hidden networks?
Have you tried WiEye ??
Solution found without exclusive app - Needs ROOT access though.
I have a XPERIA X10 mini, rooted, running Android 2.1 update 1.
At home I have setup a wifi network, that has a non-broadcasting SSID.
Though I have setup my phone to connect to this SSID, my phone will report the Access point as "not in range, remembered".
When the Router is configured to broadcast the SSID, my phone will automatically connect.
Here I will describe the steps I followed to enable my device to detect a non-broadcasting SSID.
1. ROOT your Android Mobile
2. Get a tool to browse through the system areas of android
I used Shell Commander (to complete it smoothly). I shall explain why, later.​3. Navigate to /data/misc/wifi/
In shell commander, you have a graphical folder navigation.
The command will be cd /data/misc/wifi​[You can skip the next step of taking backup]
4. For backing up, copy the file wpa_supplicant.conf preserving its attributes.
This is the reason I needed shell commander.
The command will be, cp -p wpa_supplicant.conf wpa_supplicant.conf.bak​5. Edit the entry for the non-broadcasting network in the wpa_supplicant.conf file.
The content will be as below.​
ctrl_interface=wlan0
update_config=1
network={
ssid="No Broadcast SSID Main"
psk="SsIDMainPassword"
priority=17​ }
network={
ssid="SSID2"
scan_ssid=1
psk="password2"
priority=14​ }
network={
ssid="SSID 3"
scan_ssid=1
psk="password3"
priority=15​ }
​ add scan_ssid=1 to the non-broadcasting entry
ctrl_interface=wlan0
update_config=1
network={
ssid="No Broadcast SSID Main"
scan_ssid=1
psk="SsIDMainPassword"
priority=17​ }
network={
ssid="SSID2"
scan_ssid=1
psk="password2"
priority=14​ }
network={
ssid="SSID 3"
scan_ssid=1
psk="password3"
priority=15​ }
​save the file.​6. Enable the Wireless in your mobile.
Having done this, the WiFi connection, corresponding to the edited entry, will be connected even if not broadcasted (provided the Access Point is indeed available).
Points to be noted while doing this.
The wpa_supplicant.conf file should retain all its attributes as is. While saving the file, if the permission group changes from "wifi" to "root", as it did for me, you will never be able to enable WiFi ever again. There is no way you will be allowed to set the user group for the file to "wifi", as such a group is stated to be invalid. In shell commander, I was able to retain the attributes, but had problems when I used ES-Explorer.
The double quotes (") around the SSID name and the Password are necessary. While saving in Shell Commander, the double quotes were not saved. I forced it to include quotes, by putting a backslash escape sequence (\").
Hope this helps.
r/\\J35h
+info
Hi there.
If I understood it right, despite the fact that your explanation is quite complete, it doesn't apply to this case.
What they're looking for is a app that shows what hidden SSIDs are available for connection. Not a way to connect to it.
By the way, anyone have an app to suggest?
Oh, I am sorry for mistaking it.
I might be wrong here, but when an access point is not broadcasting, isn't it supposed to be hidden from those who scan for available APs?
Also it will be nice to have an app that does the entire process I had explained with a single check box that says "Connect even if not broadcasting".
I am a programmer. But I have not learnt to create Android apps yet .
r/\\J35h
XPERIA X10 mini
[ROOT]
Despite allegations of FUD etc., onesolo is correct. It's a "feature" of Android - See issue 10305 at Google Code - rather than a problem with any of the scanning apps per se.
There is a WiFi scanner that shows up hidden APs that it's not broadcasting it's SSID finally?
Thanks
---------- Post added at 02:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:54 PM ----------
There is a WiFi scanner that shows up hidden APs that it's not broadcasting it's SSID finally?
Thanks
Solved?
Hi, has anyone ever found a solution to this?
I have an old Access Point currently sending out a hidden SSID signal as an open network (as a test). I can connect to it via my laptop because I know the SSID.
However, all the android software I try on my Galaxy Tab 2 does not see it, even those that "say" they detect interference on channel show the channel as being clear.
I agree with what is said above, what use is this method of detection if there can be several signals on channels that are not being shown. I understand that the SSID is only transmitted during a device connection, with that in mind I have got my laptop consistently trying to connect.
Incidentally, my Windows 7 laptop can see the signal as "Other Network", and when running inSSIDer v2.1 it detects many details include the valuable information of Channel, Signal, It also provides the encryption, MAC address and vendor so this information must be available!!

[Q] WPA Enterprise with PEAP and MSCHAPV2 Using wpa_supplicant.conf

As a point of reference, I am using a rooted HTC G2 running GingerVillain 1.5.
I have been trying to manually connect to my University's wifi (UT of Arlington if it's any help) The Xpress connect app they recommend does not work as it does not detect the network or something or rather. I don't want to mess with it anymore as it would be better to have the settings OS based than app based unless there is no other way.
So, I tried to set it up manually according to what my computer had set up: PEAP with MSCHAPV2. Android only offered "none specified" for user or CA certificates. It acts like it is going to connect, then promptly disconnects.
I think my problem is similar to this topic which was resolved: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=576407
However, whenever I pull wpa_supplicant.conf and change anything, Wi-Fi won't start on the phone. Is there something else I need to do to get a modified one to work? I'll probably still have to play with some settings to get it to actually work with my university.
Ok, I found this topic http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=692254 which fixes the wifi crash when rebooting after modifying wpa_supplicant.conf I'll have to see if I can get the network to work next time I can go to school.

[Q] WIFI hotspot with Virtuous Inquisition v1.3.0

I have [ROM][ICS][BETA][12/25/11] Virtuous Inquisition v1.3.0 :: Senseless ICS (4.0.1)
Which is pretty awesome so far for a beta, I can't get wifi hotspot to work, i need the Network SSID, I am on vodafone Uk contract if that helps.
you can name the ssid anything you like, its just a name to enable you to identify it in the list of available connections that displays on your pc. the pc however always seems to detect the ssid as 'HTC Mobile Hotspot' regardless.
couldn't connect anyhow as the pc always throws out a 'Security Key Mismatch Error'.
i suspect the functions not working properly yet but let us know if you manage to connect.
I know EXACTLY what's happening. If you see in the settings, you can rename your SSID but that parameter is not passed to the "activate" checkbox. I think that value (and the password) simply doesn't get read from the OS, so the name of the hotspot is still "HTC Hotspost... something".
Since I don't know the default password, I can't use it, but fixing the bug should be pretty easy.
cool, lets hope there's a fix fairly soon.

[Q] Moved 30 miles away, router from that home still thinks its there?!!?

I've got a screwy situation I'm desperately seeking a resolution to... simply put, we moved, and since then my Galaxy S2 (AT&T) pulls location from wifi when connected to it, everything within the phone keeps showing up that we're still back home, 30 miles away in a different state! But simply turn wifi off and then use 3G for location, and from the same spot in the new house, everything begins to work normally...
Now here's the twist - only on certain roms does this happen. Right now, I'm running MIUI 2.3.7, build MIUI-203090. Right now, on THIS rom, everything is working as it should... wifi is on, phone connected, showing all the correct information for the correct area... by changing roms, with all the same settings selected, the phone begins showing up back in the former location, and I begin to boil. I've reset the router back to factory defaults, and the same problem exists... I'm convinced it's a router issue.... I have an HTC Inspire that I had until 2 weeks ago when I made the upgrade... I broke it out and used it to test... and I can confirm that, on certain roms, even with a totally different phone, the SAME problem results because its connecting wirelessly to the same router....
Any ideas??
I assume that you are using the same router as previously?.. A router does not necessarily re-ping its location on a regular basis and so you may very well need to update your location in the skyhook database..
http://www.skyhookwireless.com/howitworks/submit_ap.php
Midnight1970 said:
I've got a screwy situation I'm desperately seeking a resolution to... simply put, we moved, and since then my Galaxy S2 (AT&T) pulls location from wifi when connected to it, everything within the phone keeps showing up that we're still back home, 30 miles away in a different state! But simply turn wifi off and then use 3G for location, and from the same spot in the new house, everything begins to work normally...
Now here's the twist - only on certain roms does this happen. Right now, I'm running MIUI 2.3.7, build MIUI-203090. Right now, on THIS rom, everything is working as it should... wifi is on, phone connected, showing all the correct information for the correct area... by changing roms, with all the same settings selected, the phone begins showing up back in the former location, and I begin to boil. I've reset the router back to factory defaults, and the same problem exists... I'm convinced it's a router issue.... I have an HTC Inspire that I had until 2 weeks ago when I made the upgrade... I broke it out and used it to test... and I can confirm that, on certain roms, even with a totally different phone, the SAME problem results because its connecting wirelessly to the same router....
Any ideas??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never heard of this before - will try it...
If you have Google location checked it may be using the known location when it was first detected.
Change your router wifi name. Then it may not know anything except through GPS.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using xda premium
I tried the skyhook option, but it's not real clear - either it could take affect or could take up to 7 days - ?!??
The router's wifi name has been changed - and even went as far as to restore it back to factory defaults... STILL the same result... I'm absolutely confused.
this issue is not uncommon.. eg. my mobile hotspot shows me at home no matter where i am in the USA... a router is part of infrastructure and so is a fixed location... if not then the skyhook database would not even be required.
For any changes to take affect you will need to power cycle the router... and yes, a free service may take time to resolve itself.
you're welcome
p.s. nowhere anywhere on the web is a router referred to by name.. it has a unique mac address..it is this address that is tied to your location so change all you want.. but until the db is updated you will live 30 miles away
Midnight1970 said:
I tried the skyhook option, but it's not real clear - either it could take affect or could take up to 7 days - ?!??
The router's wifi name has been changed - and even went as far as to restore it back to factory defaults... STILL the same result... I'm absolutely confused.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mystic38 said:
For any changes to take affect you will need to power cycle the router... and yes, a free service may take time to resolve itself.
p.s. nowhere anywhere on the web is a router referred to by name.. it has a unique mac address..it is this address that is tied to your location so change all you want.. but until the db is updated you will live 30 miles away
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"until the db is updated?" - I'm sorry, can you be more specific?
I have a Belkin n450+ router... how would I accomplish this?
I had been powered off all during the move, well over 24 hours - I'm confused about how to go about "clearing the db" -
if you have reported the location change to the skyhook server, you will have to wait for them to update their database (db..sorry)..
You have tried a reset, the only other suggestion other than to wait is to restore the factory firmware to factory settings.. you may need to update firmware after this and will need to reset and configure your network, but its an idea..
Midnight1970 said:
I had been powered off all during the move, well over 24 hours - I'm confused about how to go about "clearing the db" -
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just did a search for this problem and found this thread. Is this still the best solution?
Google uses many methods for its location, WiFi, GPS and Cell towers.
Remember that Google Street View car that travels around. It also tracks location and if it sees a WiFi signal it records the broadcasted name and location. If you use a Google service, phone or PC Google tracks the WiFi access point name. If it has a record of that name if knows your location. Otherwise it only knows your IP address is within a certain area of a city.
So, Google knows your WiFi routers name is at a particular address/location, then you move. Google doesn't know you moved so it continues thinking you're at your old address.
Changing the Routers WiFi name and a new IP address forces Google to relocate you by using GPS and other WiFi Hotspots it sees near you on your phone. It will then associate your new WiFi router name with your new location.
Basically but more complex than that.

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