Learning About 10 Pin Rj45 Connector: Grades, Material Standards, and Industrial Applications

Types of 10-Pin RJ45 Connectors

A 10-pin RJ45 connector is a specialized networking component designed for high-performance Ethernet cabling systems, commonly used with CAT6A and higher-category cables. These connectors are engineered to support advanced data transmission standards such as TIA/EIA-568-B.2-10, ensuring compatibility with 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) and reduced crosstalk at frequencies up to 500 MHz. With precise internal geometry and improved shielding, 10-pin variants offer superior signal integrity over traditional 8-pin connectors, especially in high-density and high-interference environments.

Standard 10-Pin RJ45 Connector

Designed for CAT6 and CAT6A cabling, this connector features a robust housing and gold-plated contacts to ensure optimal conductivity and corrosion resistance.

Advantages

• Supports up to 10 Gbps data rates
• Compatible with standard Ethernet protocols
• Gold-plated contacts reduce signal loss
• Durable construction for long-term use

Limitations

• Limited EMI protection without shielding
• Requires precise termination technique
• Not ideal for high-noise environments

Best for: Office networks, home labs, general-purpose structured cabling

Shielded 10-Pin RJ45 Connector

Equipped with a metalized shield (often foil or braid), this connector protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).

Advantages

• Superior noise immunity in industrial settings
• Enhanced signal clarity and reliability
• Ideal for data centers and server rooms
• Meets stringent EMC compliance standards

Limitations

• Higher cost than unshielded variants
• Requires proper grounding for full effectiveness
• Bulkier design may affect cable management

Best for: Manufacturing plants, data centers, medical imaging facilities

Pass-Through 10-Pin RJ45 Connector

Also known as "see-through" or "easy-load" connectors, these allow wires to extend through the front, enabling verification of wire sequence before crimping.

Advantages

• Reduces miswiring and rework
• Speeds up termination process significantly
• Allows real-time alignment checks
• Great for field installations and tight spaces

Limitations

• Slightly more expensive per unit
• May require trimming after alignment
• Less common in pre-assembled patch cords

Best for: Large-scale deployments, field technicians, time-sensitive installations

Toolless 10-Pin RJ45 Connector

Designed for rapid deployment without crimpers or soldering, these connectors use internal clamps or screws to secure the wires.

Advantages

• No tools required for installation
• Perfect for temporary or emergency networks
• User-friendly for non-specialists
• Reusable in some models

Limitations

• Potential for lower long-term reliability
• May not meet performance specs of crimped connectors
• Higher failure rate under vibration or stress

Best for: Temporary setups, quick repairs, educational environments

Two-Piece 10-Pin RJ45 Connector

Composed of a modular plug and a separate rear boot or housing, this design allows for pre-loading wires and fine-tuning before final assembly.

Advantages

• Allows micro-adjustments for optimal wire positioning
• Reduces installation errors and signal degradation
• Easier strain relief and cable gripping
• Ideal for high-frequency applications

Limitations

• More complex assembly process
• Higher component count increases risk of loss
• Typically more expensive than one-piece designs

Best for: High-performance networks, lab environments, precision cabling projects

Type	Data Rate Support	EMI Protection	Installation Ease	Best Use Case
Standard 10-Pin	Up to 10 Gbps	Low	Moderate	General office and home networks
Shielded 10-Pin	Up to 10 Gbps	High	Moderate	Data centers, industrial environments
Pass-Through	Up to 10 Gbps	Low to Medium	High	Field installations, bulk terminations
Toolless	Up to 1 Gbps (varies)	Low	Very High	Temporary networks, quick fixes
Two-Piece	Up to 10 Gbps	Medium to High	Low to Moderate	Precision installations, performance-critical setups

Expert Tip: When working with 10-pin RJ45 connectors, always follow the correct pinout standard (T568A or T568B) consistently across your network. For CAT6A installations, ensure minimal untwisting of wire pairs (under 0.5 inches) to maintain performance and reduce alien crosstalk.

What Makes a 10-pin RJ45 Connector Durable

Durability in a 10-pin RJ45 connector refers to its ability to withstand mechanical stress, environmental fluctuations, and repeated usage while maintaining reliable network performance. In demanding environments such as data centers, network closets, industrial facilities, and outdoor installations, connectors are exposed to temperature variations, humidity, dust, vibration, and frequent plugging/unplugging cycles. A durable connector ensures long-term signal integrity, reduces maintenance costs, and minimizes network downtime.

Key Factors Contributing to Durability

High-Quality Materials

The housing of durable 10-pin RJ45 connectors is typically constructed from reinforced engineering plastics such as polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). These materials offer excellent resistance to impact, heat, and UV exposure, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

The internal metal components, especially the contact pins, are often made from phosphor bronze or beryllium copper—alloys known for their resilience, conductivity, and fatigue resistance. These materials maintain spring tension over time, ensuring consistent electrical contact even after thousands of mating cycles.

Gold-Plated Contacts

Premium 10-pin RJ45 connectors feature gold-plated contact pins, typically with plating thicknesses ranging from 1.27 to 3.0 microns. Gold is highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion, which prevents signal degradation caused by environmental exposure.

Gold plating also reduces contact resistance and enhances conductivity, ensuring stable data transmission even in high-speed networks (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet and beyond). Its low friction properties minimize wear during insertion and removal, significantly extending the connector’s lifespan in high-traffic environments.

Strain Relief Design

Effective strain relief is critical for preventing cable fatigue near the connector base. Durable 10-pin RJ45 connectors incorporate overmolded boots or flexible rubber jackets that absorb tension and torsion forces applied to the cable.

This design protects the solder joints and internal wiring from breaking due to bending, pulling, or accidental tugs. In industrial or mobile applications where cables are frequently moved, robust strain relief ensures long-term reliability and reduces the risk of intermittent connections.

Reinforced Pin Structure

The 10-pin configuration often supports advanced networking protocols that require precise alignment and stable contact. To prevent bending or damage during mating, durable connectors use thicker, spring-tempered pins with enhanced rigidity.

These reinforced pins are precisely aligned within the connector housing and are protected by shrouding or guide rails to ensure correct insertion. This is especially important in high-density patch panels where misalignment risks are higher due to tight spacing.

EMI Shielding & Environmental Protection

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt data signals and degrade network performance. High-end 10-pin RJ45 connectors include internal metal shielding (such as foil or braid) and conductive coatings that act as Faraday cages, blocking external noise.

Additionally, many durable connectors are designed with IP-rated seals or gel-filled boots to resist moisture, dust, and contaminants—making them suitable for harsh environments. Shielded connectors also help maintain signal integrity in areas with high electrical noise, such as near motors, transformers, or industrial equipment.

Mechanical Endurance & Mating Cycles

Industrial-grade 10-pin RJ45 connectors are tested to endure 1,500 to 5,000+ mating cycles without performance loss. This durability is achieved through precision molding, tight tolerances, and wear-resistant materials.

Connectors used in data centers or telecom installations benefit from latching mechanisms that resist accidental disconnection while still allowing smooth insertion and removal. The latch is often reinforced with metal inserts to prevent breakage—a common failure point in lower-quality connectors.

Durability Feature	Function	Benefit
Polycarbonate Housing	Impact and heat resistance	Withstands physical stress and high temperatures in enclosed spaces
Gold-Plated Contacts (≥2µm)	Corrosion and oxidation resistance	Ensures long-term signal reliability and low insertion loss
Overmolded Strain Relief	Reduces cable stress at termination point	Prevents wire breakage and intermittent faults
Metal Shielding (EMI/RFI)	Blocks electromagnetic interference	Maintains signal integrity in electrically noisy environments
Reinforced Latch & Pins	Resists bending and latch breakage	Enables reliable use in high-density and high-traffic installations

Best Practices for Maximizing Connector Longevity

Handle with Care: Avoid excessive force when inserting or removing connectors. Always grip the connector body, not the cable, to prevent strain on internal wires.

Use Protective Boots: Install dust caps when connectors are not in use, especially in dusty or humid environments, to protect contacts from contamination.

Ensure Proper Termination: Use correct crimping tools and follow wiring standards (T568A/B) to avoid poor connections that can lead to overheating or signal loss.

Inspect Regularly: Check for bent pins, cracked housings, or discoloration due to overheating. Replace damaged connectors promptly to avoid network issues.

Choose the Right Grade: Select industrial or outdoor-rated connectors for harsh environments instead of standard commercial-grade versions.

Important: Not all 10-pin RJ45 connectors are created equal. Lower-cost variants may use thin gold plating, brittle plastics, or inadequate shielding, leading to premature failure. Always verify specifications and compliance with industry standards (e.g., IEC 60603-7, RoHS) when selecting connectors for mission-critical networks. Investing in high-durability components reduces long-term operational costs and improves network reliability.

Commercial Uses of 10-Pin RJ45 Connectors

10-pin RJ45 connectors are a specialized evolution of the standard 8-pin Ethernet interface, engineered to support advanced networking configurations and higher data throughput in commercial environments. While not part of the traditional Ethernet cabling standards, these enhanced connectors are increasingly used in custom or extended wiring schemes—particularly those aligned with EIA/TIA 568-B and other structured cabling frameworks. Their additional pins allow for expanded signal routing, support for Power over Ethernet (PoE), and integration with multi-protocol systems. Below are key commercial applications where 10-pin RJ45 connectors deliver critical performance advantages.

Data Centres

In high-density data centre environments, 10-pin RJ45 connectors support ultra-fast Ethernet networks, including 10 Gbps and emerging 25 Gbps standards over optimized twisted-pair cabling. These connectors enable compact, scalable cabling architectures that maintain signal integrity across long distances—up to 500 meters in certain shielded configurations.

• Support high-bandwidth server-to-switch and switch-to-switch connections
• Enable backward compatibility with Cat6a/Cat7 cabling while supporting future-proof infrastructure
• Reduce cable clutter through higher pin density and multi-channel transmission
• Facilitate convergence of data and power delivery in edge computing racks

Key benefit: Ensures low-latency, high-reliability connectivity essential for cloud computing, virtualization, and real-time data processing.

Telecommunications

Telecom networks rely on robust, versatile cabling to handle voice, data, and control signals across vast infrastructures. The 10-pin RJ45 connector’s expanded pin configuration supports hybrid signal transmission, making it ideal for central offices, PBX systems, and fiber-to-the-desk hybrid setups.

• Supports TIA/EIA-568-B.1 structured cabling standards for enterprise telecom
• Enables integration of multiple services (data, VoIP, security) over a single cable run
• Facilitates use in multi-line telephone systems and digital trunking equipment
• Improves serviceability and reduces downtime with standardized, modular connections

Pro insight: Ideal for telecom closets and demarcation points where space efficiency and signal separation are critical.

Commercial Office Building Networks

Modern office buildings demand converged networks capable of handling high-speed data, IP telephony, video conferencing, and building automation systems. 10-pin RJ45 connectors support these integrated environments by enabling higher-capacity links and PoE+ or PoE++ delivery over a single cable.

• Supports 10GBASE-T Ethernet for high-performance workstations and collaborative tools
• Enables power and data delivery to VoIP phones, wireless access points, and smart lighting
• Reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk through enhanced shielding and pin isolation
• Facilitates structured cabling compliance with ISO/IEC 11801 and ANSI/TIA-568 standards

Critical advantage: Simplifies infrastructure management in multi-tenant or large corporate campuses with centralized network distribution.

Industrial Automation Systems

In industrial settings, reliable network connectivity is vital for real-time control of robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and IoT devices. 10-pin RJ45 connectors are often used in ruggedized, shielded variants to withstand harsh environments while supporting high-speed industrial Ethernet protocols.

• Used in PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP networks requiring deterministic communication
• Supports simultaneous data transmission and power delivery to field devices
• Designed with corrosion-resistant materials and locking mechanisms for vibration-prone areas
• Enables seamless integration between OT (Operational Technology) and IT networks

Technical note: Often deployed in IP67-rated enclosures for use in manufacturing floors, warehouses, and outdoor installations.

Broadcasting and Media Production

Broadcast studios and media production facilities require ultra-reliable, high-bandwidth networks for live video streaming, camera control, audio mixing, and real-time rendering. 10-pin RJ45 connectors support these demanding workflows by enabling high-speed Gigabit and 10G Ethernet links with integrated PoE capabilities.

• Used to power and control PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras over a single cable
• Supports SMPTE 2110 and NDI® (Network Device Interface) standards for IP-based video
• Reduces latency and jitter in time-sensitive production environments
• Facilitates daisy-chaining of lighting, audio interfaces, and monitoring systems

Production advantage: Minimizes cable runs and simplifies setup in mobile production units and studio environments.

Emerging & Hybrid Applications

Beyond traditional networking, 10-pin RJ45 connectors are finding use in innovative hybrid systems that combine data, power, and control signals in a single interface.

• Smart buildings: Integrating HVAC, access control, and surveillance over unified cabling
• Healthcare: Connecting medical imaging devices with high-speed data and power needs
• Transportation: Used in train and airport communication systems with strict reliability requirements
• Security systems: Supporting high-resolution IP cameras with PoE and data feedback loops

Future trend: Growing adoption in converged digital infrastructure where space, cost, and reliability are paramount.

Expert Recommendation: When deploying 10-pin RJ45 connectors, ensure compatibility with your cabling grade (Cat6a or higher recommended) and use certified installers to maintain performance integrity. These connectors are not universally standardized, so verify pinout configurations and shielding requirements based on your specific application—especially in mixed-vendor environments.

Application Sector	Primary Use Case	Key Requirement	Recommended Cable Type
Data Centres	High-speed server interconnects	Low latency, high bandwidth	Shielded Cat6a / Cat7
Telecommunications	Multi-service signal routing	Signal isolation, reliability	STP or FTP Cat6
Office Networks	Converged voice, data, PoE	Scalability, EMI resistance	UTP/STP Cat6a
Industrial Automation	Real-time machine control	Durability, noise immunity	Ruggedized Cat6a (IP67)
Broadcasting	IP video and camera control	Low jitter, PoE support	Shielded Cat6a with low skew

Additional Considerations

• Standardization: Unlike 8-pin RJ45, 10-pin variants lack universal pinout standards—always confirm wiring schemes with manufacturers.
• Backward Compatibility: Many 10-pin connectors are designed to accept standard 8P8C plugs, enabling phased upgrades.
• Testing & Certification: Use advanced cable certifiers to validate performance, especially for 10Gbps applications.
• Thermal Management: Higher pin density can increase heat buildup; ensure proper ventilation in patch panels.
• Vendor Ecosystem: Choose connectors from reputable suppliers with documented compliance to TIA/EIA and ISO standards.

How To Choose A 10-pin RJ45 Connector: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the right 10-pin RJ45 connector is essential for ensuring reliable, high-speed network performance in both commercial and industrial environments. These connectors are commonly used in advanced networking applications, including Power over Ethernet (PoE), industrial automation, and structured cabling systems. This guide provides detailed insights into the key selection criteria, helping buyers make informed decisions based on durability, performance, compatibility, and ease of installation.

Important Note: The term "10-pin" RJ45 typically refers to specialized modular connectors used in proprietary or industrial Ethernet systems, not standard 8P8C (8-position, 8-contact) Ethernet connectors. Ensure compatibility with your specific cabling and equipment requirements before purchasing.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a 10-pin RJ45 Connector

• Material Quality and Durability

  The housing material significantly impacts the connector's longevity and resistance to environmental stress. Opt for connectors made from high-grade polycarbonate (PC) or reinforced metal alloys, especially in harsh environments. Polycarbonate offers excellent dielectric properties and impact resistance, while metal-housed connectors provide superior shielding and mechanical strength in industrial settings.

  Look for UV-resistant and flame-retardant (UL 94 V-0 rated) materials if the connectors will be exposed to sunlight or high-temperature environments.

• Gold Plating for Reliable Signal Transmission

  Gold-plated contacts are critical for maintaining consistent electrical conductivity and minimizing signal loss. Gold resists oxidation and corrosion, ensuring stable performance over time—even in humid or corrosive environments.

  Choose connectors with at least 1.27 to 2.54 microns (50–100 micro-inches) of gold plating on both the contact pins and mating surfaces. Higher plating thickness is recommended for mission-critical or high-cycle applications where frequent mating and unmating occur.

• EMI/RFI Shielding for Signal Integrity

  Electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) can degrade network performance, especially in industrial or high-density cabling environments. Shielded connectors help maintain signal integrity by reducing crosstalk and external noise.

  Select connectors with metal shielding—either internal foil, braided shields, or full metal jackets. Look for features like 360° shielding and proper drain wire connections to ensure effective grounding. Shielded connectors are ideal for use in data centers, manufacturing floors, and outdoor installations.

• Application-Specific Design and Use Case

  Different environments demand different connector types:

  • Commercial/Office Use: Standard 10-pin RJ45 connectors with plastic housings are sufficient for typical LAN setups.
  • Industrial Automation: Choose ruggedized, IP-rated (e.g., IP67) connectors that withstand dust, moisture, vibration, and temperature extremes.
  • Data Centers: Prefer shielded, high-density connectors with low insertion loss and support for Cat6A/Cat7 standards.
  • Temporary or Field Deployments: Toolless or pass-through connectors allow quick, tool-free termination, reducing installation time and skill requirements.
• Compliance with Industry Standards

  Ensure the connector complies with recognized industry standards to guarantee interoperability and performance. Key standards include:

  • TIA/EIA-568-B.2: Defines performance for balanced twisted-pair cabling.
  • IEC 60603-7: International standard for 8-way modular connectors.
  • RoHS and REACH compliance: Ensures environmental safety and material restrictions.

  For PoE+ or higher power applications, verify that the connector supports IEEE 802.3af/at/bt standards and can handle elevated current without overheating.

• Installation Method and Ease of Use

  The installation process varies significantly depending on connector type:

  • Standard Crimp Connectors: Require a crimping tool and moderate skill; best for permanent installations.
  • Pass-Through Connectors: Allow wires to pass through the connector before crimping, making it easier to verify wire alignment and reduce errors.
  • Toolless Connectors: Feature spring-loaded contacts or insulation displacement contacts (IDC) that eliminate the need for crimping, ideal for field repairs or novice installers.

  Consider the availability of compatible tools and training when selecting connector types for large-scale deployments.

Selection Factor	Recommended Specification	Best For	What to Avoid
Material	Polycarbonate or metal alloy housing	Industrial, outdoor, high-traffic areas	Brittle plastics, non-UV-resistant materials
Gold Plating	1.27–2.54 µm (50–100 µin)	High-cycle, humid, or corrosive environments	Thin plating (<0.76 µm), nickel-only contacts
Shielding	360° braided or foil + drain wire	Data centers, industrial networks	Unshielded connectors in EMI-heavy areas
Standards	TIA/EIA-568-B.2, IEC 60603-7	All professional installations	Non-compliant or unbranded connectors
Installation Type	Pass-through or toolless	Field work, temporary networks	Complex crimping in tight spaces

Expert Tip: Always test a sample connector before large-scale deployment. Perform continuity checks, insertion/extraction force tests, and signal integrity assessments using a cable certifier to ensure it meets your performance expectations.

Additional Recommendations

• Verify compatibility with your cable gauge (e.g., 22–26 AWG) and category rating (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A).
• Choose connectors with strain relief boots to prevent cable damage and improve durability.
• For outdoor or moisture-prone areas, select connectors with IP67 or higher ingress protection ratings.
• Consider color-coded housings for easier identification and network management.
• Purchase from reputable suppliers who provide technical documentation and warranty support.

By carefully evaluating material quality, shielding, plating, standards compliance, and installation needs, you can select a 10-pin RJ45 connector that ensures long-term reliability and optimal network performance. Whether deploying in an office, factory, or data center, the right connector choice enhances both efficiency and signal integrity across your network infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions About 10-Pin RJ45 Connectors

Q1: What is the role of a 10-pin RJ45 connector in preventing crosstalk?

Crosstalk—unwanted signal interference between adjacent wire pairs—is a major concern in high-speed data transmission. The 10-pin RJ45 connector plays a crucial role in minimizing this interference through intelligent internal design and precise pin alignment.

• Precision Pair Matching: The 10-pin configuration ensures that each twisted pair in the Ethernet cable is correctly mapped to its corresponding contact, preserving the cable’s inherent noise-canceling properties.
• Shielded Layout: Many 10-pin variants include internal shielding or optimized spacing between pins to reduce electromagnetic coupling between adjacent signal paths.
• Tighter Termination Geometry: The connector's compact wiring scheme reduces untwisting length of cable pairs at termination points, which is a common source of crosstalk in high-frequency applications (e.g., 1–10 Gbps).
• Performance Benefits: By maintaining signal integrity, these connectors enhance data clarity, reduce error rates, and support reliable performance in high-density network environments such as data centers, industrial networks, and enterprise infrastructure.

This makes 10-pin RJ45 connectors particularly valuable in modern networking where bandwidth demands are increasing and signal purity is essential.

Q2: Do 10-pin RJ45 connectors have power transmission capabilities?

Yes, many 10-pin RJ45 connectors are designed to support Power over Ethernet (PoE) technologies, enabling both data and electrical power to be delivered over a single Ethernet cable.

• PoE Compatibility: These connectors can handle PoE standards such as IEEE 802.3af (PoE), 802.3at (PoE+), and even 802.3bt (PoE++), supporting power levels up to 60W or 90W depending on the implementation.
• Simplified Installation: Devices like IP security cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and IoT sensors can be powered directly through the network cable, eliminating the need for nearby power outlets and reducing installation complexity.
• Enhanced Conductivity: With larger contact surfaces and robust internal wiring, 10-pin connectors often provide better current handling and thermal dissipation compared to standard 8-pin versions, improving safety and reliability in power-intensive applications.
• Future-Proofing: As more devices adopt PoE for flexibility and centralized power management, using 10-pin connectors ensures compatibility with evolving power and data requirements.

It’s important to verify that both the connector and the connected equipment are rated for the desired PoE standard to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Q3: Are 10-pin RJ45 connectors compatible with CAT6a network cables?

Yes, 10-pin RJ45 connectors are fully compatible with CAT6a (Category 6a) cables and are often engineered specifically to meet the performance demands of this advanced cabling standard.

• Bandwidth Support: CAT6a cables support frequencies up to 500 MHz, enabling 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) speeds over distances up to 100 meters. 10-pin connectors are designed to maintain this performance by minimizing signal loss and crosstalk.
• Backward Compatibility: These connectors also work seamlessly with earlier cable categories such as CAT5e and CAT6, making them a versatile choice for mixed infrastructure environments.
• Shielding Options: When used with shielded CAT6a (F/UTP or S/FTP) cables, 10-pin connectors often include metal shielding and grounding features to further reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) in electrically noisy environments.
• High-Density Applications: Their reliability and performance make them ideal for data centers, enterprise networks, and industrial automation systems where consistent, high-speed connectivity is critical.

To achieve optimal results, always use connectors that are certified for CAT6a performance and install them according to manufacturer specifications to preserve cable integrity.

Q4: What are the most common materials used to make 10-pin RJ45 connectors?

The durability, conductivity, and signal performance of 10-pin RJ45 connectors depend heavily on the quality of materials used in their construction. These components are carefully selected to ensure long-term reliability and high-speed performance.

• Housing Material: Typically made from high-impact thermoplastics such as polycarbonate or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). These materials offer excellent mechanical strength, flame resistance (often UL94-V0 rated), and protection against environmental stress.
• Contact Plating: The internal electrical contacts are usually made from phosphor bronze or beryllium copper, providing good spring characteristics and durability. These are then plated with gold (typically 1.27–2.54 microns thick) to ensure low contact resistance, high conductivity, and superior resistance to oxidation and corrosion.
• Shielding Components: In shielded versions, a metalized housing or conductive coating is used to ground electromagnetic interference, often connected via a drain wire to the cable shield.
• Environmental Protection: Some industrial-grade connectors feature additional sealing or ruggedized casings to withstand moisture, dust, vibration, and temperature extremes.

The combination of robust housing and premium contact materials ensures minimal signal degradation, long mating cycle life (typically 750+ insertions), and stable performance across demanding network applications.