[xsl] Sorting network addresses

[Craig W <codecraig@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,
 Is there a way to extend the sort function provided by XSLT? I am
using XALAN. Basically, the elements that I need to sort need a more
specific sort than just text or number.

well the default sorts are on number or text. But say I want to sort
on network addresses, such as 1.2.3.4 ....text and number dont work
here, I need my own sorting (like i would do with a Comparator in
java)..

so if i had

1.2.3.4
170.1.3.3
2.4.3.2

I would want the sort to be like
1.2.3.4
2.4.3.2
170.1.3.3

...however (number sort wont work) and text sort does
1.2.3.4
170.1.3.3
2.4.3.2

see what i mean?

A sample XML may be like
...
<networks>
     <network>
             <address>1.2.3.4</address>
     </network>
     <network>
             <address>170.1.3.3</address>
     </network>
     <network>
             <address>2.4.3.2</address>
     </network>
</networks>

....after sort i would like...

<networks>
     <network>
             <address>1.2.3.4</address>
     </network>
     <network>
             <address>2.4.3.2</address>
     </network>
     <network>
             <address>170.1.3.3</address>
     </network>
</networks>


Someone suggested a key, but I am not sure how that works or how to
make it sort on a network address.  Any ideas?

Thanks,
Craig