feat: change default nodes sort to last_seen DESC and add mobile sort controls

- Change API and frontend default sort from name/asc to last_seen/desc
- Add mobileSortSelect() shared component for native select dropdown
- Add mobile sort select to nodes, advertisements, and messages pages
- Add i18n sort labels for all three list pages
- Update sort tests for new default with staggered timestamps

docs/i18n.md

@@ -182,6 +182,7 @@ Toast/flash messages after successful operations:
 | `snr_db` | SNR (dB) | Signal-to-noise ratio in decibels (table header) |
 | `unnamed` | Unnamed | Fallback for unnamed items |
 | `unnamed_node` | Unnamed Node | Fallback for unnamed nodes |
+| `sort_by` | Sort by | Label before mobile sort dropdown |
 
 **Note:** Keys ending in `_label` have colons and are used inline. Keys without `_label` are for table headers.
 
@@ -280,9 +281,35 @@ Node detail page labels:
 | `release_success` | Node released successfully | Flash message after releasing |
 | `release_confirm` | Are you sure you want to release this node? | Confirmation dialog for release |
 
+#### Sort Options (`nodes.sort`)
+
+Mobile sort dropdown labels for the nodes list page:
+
+| Key | English | Context |
+|-----|---------|---------|
+| `sort.last_seen_newest` | Last Seen (newest) | Default sort: most recently seen first |
+| `sort.last_seen_oldest` | Last Seen (oldest) | Least recently seen first |
+| `sort.name_az` | Name (A–Z) | Alphabetical by display name |
+| `sort.name_za` | Name (Z–A) | Reverse alphabetical by display name |
+| `sort.key_asc` | Public Key (ascending) | Sorted by public key ascending |
+| `sort.key_desc` | Public Key (descending) | Sorted by public key descending |
+
 ### 10. `advertisements`
 
-Currently empty - advertisements page uses common patterns.
+Sort options for the advertisements list page:
+
+#### Sort Options (`advertisements.sort`)
+
+Mobile sort dropdown labels for the advertisements list page:
+
+| Key | English | Context |
+|-----|---------|---------|
+| `sort.newest` | Time (newest) | Default sort: most recent first |
+| `sort.oldest` | Time (oldest) | Oldest first |
+| `sort.node_az` | Node (A–Z) | Alphabetical by node display name |
+| `sort.node_za` | Node (Z–A) | Reverse alphabetical by node display name |
+| `sort.key_asc` | Public Key (ascending) | Sorted by public key ascending |
+| `sort.key_desc` | Public Key (descending) | Sorted by public key descending |
 
 ### 11. `messages`
 
@@ -295,6 +322,21 @@ Message type labels:
 | `type_contact` | Contact | Contact message type |
 | `type_public` | Public | Public message type |
 
+#### Sort Options (`messages.sort`)
+
+Mobile sort dropdown labels for the messages list page:
+
+| Key | English | Context |
+|-----|---------|---------|
+| `sort.newest` | Time (newest) | Default sort: most recent first |
+| `sort.oldest` | Time (oldest) | Oldest first |
+| `sort.type_az` | Type (A–Z) | Alphabetical by message type |
+| `sort.type_za` | Type (Z–A) | Reverse alphabetical by message type |
+| `sort.from_az` | From (A–Z) | Alphabetical by sender name |
+| `sort.from_za` | From (Z–A) | Reverse alphabetical by sender name |
+| `sort.message_az` | Message (A–Z) | Alphabetical by message text |
+| `sort.message_za` | Message (Z–A) | Reverse alphabetical by message text |
+
 ### 12. `map`
 
 Map page content:

docs/plans/20260505-1850-mobile-sorting/plan.md

@@ -0,0 +1,264 @@
+# Plan: Default Nodes Sort by Time + Mobile Sort Controls
+
+**Date:** 2026-05-05
+**Branch:** `feat/mobile-sort-time-default`
+
+---
+
+## Background
+
+Two issues with the current sorting UX:
+
+1. **Nodes default sort is alphabetical by name** (`sort=name, order=asc`). For a mesh network dashboard, sorting by most recently seen is more useful — operators want to see active nodes first.
+
+2. **Mobile view has no sort controls.** The desktop table view has clickable column headers, but the mobile card view (`lg:hidden`) renders a separate card layout with no sort mechanism. Mobile users cannot change the sort order at all.
+
+---
+
+## Feature 1: Change Default Nodes Sort to Last Seen (Descending)
+
+### 1A. API — `src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/nodes.py`
+
+Change lines 205–206:
+
+```python
+# Before
+sort = sort if sort in VALID_NODE_SORT_COLUMNS else "name"
+order = order if order in ("asc", "desc") else ("asc" if sort == "name" else "desc")
+
+# After
+sort = sort if sort in VALID_NODE_SORT_COLUMNS else "last_seen"
+order = order if order in ("asc", "desc") else "desc"
+```
+
+The default when no `sort`/`order` params are provided is now `last_seen DESC` (newest first).
+
+### 1B. Frontend — `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/nodes.js`
+
+Change lines 19–20:
+
+```javascript
+// Before
+const sort = query.sort || 'name';
+const order = query.order || 'asc';
+
+// After
+const sort = query.sort || 'last_seen';
+const order = query.order || 'desc';
+```
+
+This ensures the "Last Seen" column header shows the correct ▾ indicator on first load.
+
+### 1C. Tests
+
+Update existing sort tests in `tests/test_api/test_nodes.py` that assume `name` default:
+
+- **`test_sort_by_name_default`** (line 472): Change name/docstring to `test_sort_by_last_seen_default`. Both nodes currently get identical `last_seen=datetime.now(timezone.utc)` timestamps — they must be given **staggered** timestamps (e.g., 1 hour apart) so the `last_seen DESC` default produces a deterministic order. Assert newest-first (`node_b` first if it has the later timestamp).
+
+- **`test_sort_invalid_ignored`** (line 643): Update docstring from "falls back to default (name alpha)" to "**falls back to default (last_seen desc)**". Both nodes currently have `last_seen=NULL` (only `first_seen` is set), so the sort order would be non-deterministic. Give the nodes staggered `last_seen` timestamps and assert the newest-first ordering.
+
+---
+
+## Feature 2: Mobile Sort Select Dropdown
+
+### Design
+
+A compact native `<select>` dropdown shown only on mobile (below `lg` breakpoint), positioned between the stats row and the card list. Combines sort column and direction into a single control for minimal UI footprint.
+
+```
+ ┌──────────────────────────────┐
+ │ Nodes              🕐 30s    │  ← page title + auto-refresh
+ │ 42 total                     │  ← stats badges
+ │                              │
+ │ Sort: [Last Seen (newest) ▾] │  ← NEW: mobile sort select
+ │                              │
+ │ ┌────────────────────────┐   │
+ │ │ Node ABC    2 min ago  │   │  ← mobile cards
+ │ └────────────────────────┘   │
+ │ ┌────────────────────────┐   │
+ │ │ Node XYZ    5 min ago  │   │
+ │ └────────────────────────┘   │
+ └──────────────────────────────┘
+```
+
+### Why native `<select>`
+
+| Factor | Native `<select>` | Pill chips | Dropdown menu |
+|--------|-------------------|------------|---------------|
+| Touch optimization | Native iOS/Android picker | Custom tap targets | Custom tap targets |
+| UI footprint | 1 line | 1–2 lines | 1 line + overlay |
+| Discoverability | All options visible in picker | Only visible pills | Hidden until opened |
+| Consistency | Matches filter `<select>` already used | New pattern | New pattern |
+| Accessibility | Built-in | Needs ARIA | Needs ARIA |
+
+### 2A. Shared component — `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/components.js`
+
+Add a `mobileSortSelect()` function. It calls `buildSortUrl()` (line 18), which is a **module-scoped (non-exported) function** in the same file — accessible via closure scope, no export needed.
+
+```javascript
+export function mobileSortSelect({ currentSort, currentOrder, navigate, basePath, params, options }) {
+    const currentValue = `${currentSort}:${currentOrder}`;
+
+    const sortOptions = options.map(opt =>
+        html`<option value=${opt.value} ?selected=${opt.value === currentValue}>${opt.label}</option>`
+    );
+
+    const onChange = (e) => {
+        const [sort, order] = e.target.value.split(':');
+        const url = buildSortUrl(basePath, params, sort, order);
+        navigate(url);
+    };
+
+    return html`<div class="lg:hidden mb-3">
+        <div class="flex items-center gap-2">
+            <span class="text-xs opacity-60">${t('common.sort_by')}</span>
+            <select class="select select-sm select-bordered flex-1"
+                    @change=${onChange}>
+                ${sortOptions}
+            </select>
+        </div>
+    </div>`;
+}
+```
+
+**Parameters:**
+- `currentSort` / `currentOrder`: current sort state from URL
+- `navigate`: SPA router navigate function
+- `basePath`: e.g., `'/nodes'`
+- `params`: filter params to preserve
+- `options`: array of `{ value: 'sort:order', label: 'Display Name' }` objects
+
+### 2B. Nodes page — `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/nodes.js`
+
+Add the mobile sort select between the stats row and the card list:
+
+```javascript
+import { mobileSortSelect } from '../components.js';
+
+// Define sort options
+const sortOptions = [
+    { value: 'last_seen:desc', label: t('nodes.sort.last_seen_newest') },
+    { value: 'last_seen:asc', label: t('nodes.sort.last_seen_oldest') },
+    { value: 'name:asc', label: t('nodes.sort.name_az') },
+    { value: 'name:desc', label: t('nodes.sort.name_za') },
+    { value: 'public_key:asc', label: t('nodes.sort.key_asc') },
+    { value: 'public_key:desc', label: t('nodes.sort.key_desc') },
+];
+
+// In the render, between stats badges and mobile cards:
+${mobileSortSelect({
+    currentSort: sort, currentOrder: order,
+    navigate, basePath: '/nodes',
+    params: headerParams, options: sortOptions,
+})}
+```
+
+### 2C. Advertisements page — `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/advertisements.js`
+
+Same pattern, with ad-specific sort options:
+
+```javascript
+const sortOptions = [
+    { value: 'time:desc', label: t('advertisements.sort.newest') },
+    { value: 'time:asc', label: t('advertisements.sort.oldest') },
+    { value: 'node_name:asc', label: t('advertisements.sort.node_az') },
+    { value: 'node_name:desc', label: t('advertisements.sort.node_za') },
+    { value: 'public_key:asc', label: t('advertisements.sort.key_asc') },
+    { value: 'public_key:desc', label: t('advertisements.sort.key_desc') },
+];
+```
+
+### 2D. Messages page — `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/messages.js`
+
+Same pattern, with message-specific sort options:
+
+```javascript
+const sortOptions = [
+    { value: 'time:desc', label: t('messages.sort.newest') },
+    { value: 'time:asc', label: t('messages.sort.oldest') },
+    { value: 'type:asc', label: t('messages.sort.type_az') },
+    { value: 'type:desc', label: t('messages.sort.type_za') },
+    { value: 'from:asc', label: t('messages.sort.from_az') },
+    { value: 'from:desc', label: t('messages.sort.from_za') },
+    { value: 'message:asc', label: t('messages.sort.message_az') },
+    { value: 'message:desc', label: t('messages.sort.message_za') },
+];
+```
+
+---
+
+## i18n Changes
+
+### `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json`
+
+Add new keys:
+
+```json
+{
+  "common": {
+    "sort_by": "Sort by"
+  },
+  "nodes": {
+    "sort": {
+      "last_seen_newest": "Last Seen (newest)",
+      "last_seen_oldest": "Last Seen (oldest)",
+      "name_az": "Name (A\u2013Z)",
+      "name_za": "Name (Z\u2013A)",
+      "key_asc": "Public Key (ascending)",
+      "key_desc": "Public Key (descending)"
+    }
+  },
+  "advertisements": {
+    "sort": {
+      "newest": "Time (newest)",
+      "oldest": "Time (oldest)",
+      "node_az": "Node (A\u2013Z)",
+      "node_za": "Node (Z\u2013A)",
+      "key_asc": "Public Key (ascending)",
+      "key_desc": "Public Key (descending)"
+    }
+  },
+  "messages": {
+    "sort": {
+      "newest": "Time (newest)",
+      "oldest": "Time (oldest)",
+      "type_az": "Type (A\u2013Z)",
+      "type_za": "Type (Z\u2013A)",
+      "from_az": "From (A\u2013Z)",
+      "from_za": "From (Z\u2013A)",
+      "message_az": "Message (A\u2013Z)",
+      "message_za": "Message (Z\u2013A)"
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+## Files Changed
+
+| File | Change |
+|------|--------|
+| `src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/nodes.py` | Change default sort from `name ASC` to `last_seen DESC` |
+| `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/nodes.js` | Change frontend default sort; add mobile sort select |
+| `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/advertisements.js` | Add mobile sort select |
+| `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/messages.js` | Add mobile sort select |
+| `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/components.js` | Add `mobileSortSelect()` export |
+| `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json` | Add sort option translation keys |
+| `docs/i18n.md` | Document new translation keys |
+| `tests/test_api/test_nodes.py` | Update default sort test expectations |
+
+---
+
+## Sequence
+
+1. Change default sort in API (`nodes.py`)
+2. Change frontend default in `nodes.js`
+3. Add `mobileSortSelect()` to `components.js`
+4. Add mobile sort select to `nodes.js`
+5. Add mobile sort select to `advertisements.js`
+6. Add mobile sort select to `messages.js`
+7. Add i18n keys to `en.json` and update `docs/i18n.md`
+8. Update API tests
+9. Run `pytest tests/test_api/`
+10. Run `pre-commit run --all-files`

docs/plans/20260505-1850-mobile-sorting/tasks.md

@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+# Tasks: Default Nodes Sort by Time + Mobile Sort Controls
+
+**Plan:** [plan.md](plan.md)
+**Branch:** `feat/mobile-sort-time-default`
+
+---
+
+## Phase 1: Change Default Nodes Sort to Last Seen (Descending)
+
+- [ ] **1.1** Update API default sort in `src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/nodes.py` (lines 205–206)
+  - Change `else "name"` → `else "last_seen"`
+  - Change `else ("asc" if sort == "name" else "desc")` → `else "desc"`
+
+- [ ] **1.2** Update frontend default sort in `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/nodes.js` (lines 19–20)
+  - Change `query.sort || 'name'` → `query.sort || 'last_seen'`
+  - Change `query.order || 'asc'` → `query.order || 'desc'`
+
+- [ ] **1.3** Update existing tests in `tests/test_api/test_nodes.py`
+  - **`test_sort_by_name_default`** (line 472): Rename to `test_sort_by_last_seen_default`
+  - Give the two test nodes **staggered** `last_seen` timestamps (e.g., 1 hour apart) instead of identical `datetime.now(timezone.utc)`
+  - Assert newest-first order (`node_b` first if it has the later timestamp)
+  - **`test_sort_invalid_ignored`** (line 643): Update docstring to "falls back to default (last_seen desc)"
+  - Give the two test nodes staggered `last_seen` timestamps and assert newest-first ordering
+
+## Phase 2: Shared Mobile Sort Component
+
+- [ ] **2.1** Add `mobileSortSelect()` export in `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/components.js`
+  - Parameters: `{ currentSort, currentOrder, navigate, basePath, params, options }`
+  - Renders `lg:hidden` wrapper with label + native `<select>`
+  - Calls `buildSortUrl()` (module-scoped, line 18) via closure on change
+  - Splits `option.value` on `:` to extract sort/order, navigates via SPA router
+  - Mark currently-selected option with `?selected`
+
+## Phase 3: Mobile Sort Select on Each List Page
+
+- [ ] **3.1** Add mobile sort select to `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/nodes.js`
+  - Import `mobileSortSelect` from `../components.js`
+  - Define sort options: `last_seen:desc`, `last_seen:asc`, `name:asc`, `name:desc`, `public_key:asc`, `public_key:desc`
+  - Insert `${mobileSortSelect(...)}` between stats badges and mobile card list
+  - Pass `headerParams` to preserve filter state
+
+- [ ] **3.2** Add mobile sort select to `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/advertisements.js`
+  - Import `mobileSortSelect` from `../components.js`
+  - Define sort options: `time:desc`, `time:asc`, `node_name:asc`, `node_name:desc`, `public_key:asc`, `public_key:desc`
+  - Insert between stats badges and mobile card list
+
+- [ ] **3.3** Add mobile sort select to `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/messages.js`
+  - Import `mobileSortSelect` from `../components.js`
+  - Define sort options: `time:desc`, `time:asc`, `type:asc`, `type:desc`, `from:asc`, `from:desc`, `message:asc`, `message:desc`
+  - Insert between stats badges and mobile card list
+
+## Phase 4: i18n
+
+- [ ] **4.1** Add sort translation keys to `src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json`
+  - Add `common.sort_by`: "Sort by"
+  - Add `nodes.sort.*` (6 keys): `last_seen_newest`, `last_seen_oldest`, `name_az`, `name_za`, `key_asc`, `key_desc`
+  - Add `advertisements.sort.*` (6 keys): `newest`, `oldest`, `node_az`, `node_za`, `key_asc`, `key_desc`
+  - Add `messages.sort.*` (8 keys): `newest`, `oldest`, `type_az`, `type_za`, `from_az`, `from_za`, `message_az`, `message_za`
+
+- [ ] **4.2** Document new keys in `docs/i18n.md`
+
+## Verification
+
+- [ ] Run `pytest tests/test_api/test_nodes.py -v`
+- [ ] Run `pytest tests/test_common/test_i18n.py -v`
+- [ ] Run `pre-commit run --all-files`
+- [ ] Visual verification in browser:
+  - Nodes: default sort shows newest-first; Last Seen column header shows ▾ on first load
+  - Nodes mobile: sort select visible below `lg` breakpoint; changing it updates the card order
+  - Advertisements mobile: sort select with time/node/key options
+  - Messages mobile: sort select with time/type/from/message options
+  - Desktop view: no sort select visible (hidden at `lg:` breakpoint)
+  - Auto-refresh preserves sort state across ticks
+  - Filter change preserves sort state

src/meshcore_hub/api/routes/nodes.py

@@ -202,8 +202,8 @@ async def list_nodes(
     total = session.execute(count_query).scalar() or 0
 
     # Resolve sort column and direction
-    sort = sort if sort in VALID_NODE_SORT_COLUMNS else "name"
-    order = order if order in ("asc", "desc") else ("asc" if sort == "name" else "desc")
+    sort = sort if sort in VALID_NODE_SORT_COLUMNS else "last_seen"
+    order = order if order in ("asc", "desc") else "desc"
 
     name_tag_subq = (
         select(NodeTag.value)

src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/components.js

@@ -58,6 +58,30 @@ export function sortableTableHeader(label, { sortKey, currentSort, currentOrder,
     </th>`;
 }
 
+export function mobileSortSelect({ currentSort, currentOrder, navigate, basePath, params, options }) {
+    const currentValue = `${currentSort}:${currentOrder}`;
+
+    const sortOptions = options.map(opt =>
+        html`<option value=${opt.value} ?selected=${opt.value === currentValue}>${opt.label}</option>`
+    );
+
+    const onChange = (e) => {
+        const [sort, order] = e.target.value.split(':');
+        const url = buildSortUrl(basePath, params, sort, order);
+        navigate(url);
+    };
+
+    return html`<div class="lg:hidden mb-5">
+        <div class="flex items-center gap-2">
+            <span class="text-xs opacity-60">${t('common.sort_by')}</span>
+            <select class="select select-sm select-bordered flex-1"
+                    @change=${onChange}>
+                ${sortOptions}
+            </select>
+        </div>
+    </div>`;
+}
+
 /**
  * Get app config from the embedded window object.
  * @returns {Object} App configuration

src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/advertisements.js

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import {
     html, litRender, nothing, t,
     getConfig, formatDateTime, formatDateTimeShort, formatRelativeTime,
     warningBadge,
-    pagination, sortableTableHeader,
+    pagination, sortableTableHeader, mobileSortSelect,
     renderFilterCard, autoSubmit, submitOnEnter, copyToClipboard, renderNodeDisplay,
     observerIcons, observerDetailRow, toggleObserverDetail, toggleCardObserverDetail
 } from '../components.js';
@@ -239,6 +239,20 @@ ${displayContent}`, container);
 
             renderPage(html`${filterCard}
 
+${mobileSortSelect({
+    currentSort: sort, currentOrder: order,
+    navigate, basePath: '/advertisements',
+    params: headerParams,
+    options: [
+        { value: 'time:desc', label: t('advertisements.sort.newest') },
+        { value: 'time:asc', label: t('advertisements.sort.oldest') },
+        { value: 'node_name:asc', label: t('advertisements.sort.node_az') },
+        { value: 'node_name:desc', label: t('advertisements.sort.node_za') },
+        { value: 'public_key:asc', label: t('advertisements.sort.key_asc') },
+        { value: 'public_key:desc', label: t('advertisements.sort.key_desc') },
+    ],
+})}
+
 <div class="lg:hidden space-y-3">
     ${mobileCards}
 </div>

src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/messages.js

@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import {
     getConfig, formatDateTime, formatDateTimeShort, formatRelativeTime,
     getChannelLabelsMap, resolveChannelLabel,
     truncateKey, warningBadge,
-    pagination, sortableTableHeader, timezoneIndicator,
+    pagination, sortableTableHeader, mobileSortSelect, timezoneIndicator,
     renderFilterCard, autoSubmit, submitOnEnter,
     observerIcons, observerDetailRow, toggleObserverDetail, toggleCardObserverDetail
 } from '../components.js';
@@ -386,6 +386,22 @@ ${displayContent}`, container);
 
             renderPage(html`${filterCard}
 
+${mobileSortSelect({
+    currentSort: sort, currentOrder: order,
+    navigate, basePath: '/messages',
+    params: headerParams,
+    options: [
+        { value: 'time:desc', label: t('messages.sort.newest') },
+        { value: 'time:asc', label: t('messages.sort.oldest') },
+        { value: 'type:asc', label: t('messages.sort.type_az') },
+        { value: 'type:desc', label: t('messages.sort.type_za') },
+        { value: 'from:asc', label: t('messages.sort.from_az') },
+        { value: 'from:desc', label: t('messages.sort.from_za') },
+        { value: 'message:asc', label: t('messages.sort.message_az') },
+        { value: 'message:desc', label: t('messages.sort.message_za') },
+    ],
+})}
+
 <div class="lg:hidden space-y-3">
     ${mobileCards}
 </div>

src/meshcore_hub/web/static/js/spa/pages/nodes.js

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ import {
     html, litRender, nothing,
     getConfig, formatDateTime, formatDateTimeShort,
     warningBadge,
-    pagination, sortableTableHeader,
+    pagination, sortableTableHeader, mobileSortSelect,
     renderFilterCard, autoSubmit, submitOnEnter, copyToClipboard, renderNodeDisplay, t
 } from '../components.js';
 import { createAutoRefresh } from '../auto-refresh.js';
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@ export async function render(container, params, router) {
     const page = parseInt(query.page, 10) || 1;
     const limit = parseInt(query.limit, 10) || 20;
     const offset = (page - 1) * limit;
-    const sort = query.sort || 'name';
-    const order = query.order || 'asc';
+    const sort = query.sort || 'last_seen';
+    const order = query.order || 'desc';
 
     const config = getConfig();
     const tz = config.timezone || '';
@@ -186,6 +186,20 @@ ${displayContent}`, container);
 
             renderPage(html`${filterCard}
 
+${mobileSortSelect({
+    currentSort: sort, currentOrder: order,
+    navigate, basePath: '/nodes',
+    params: headerParams,
+    options: [
+        { value: 'last_seen:desc', label: t('nodes.sort.last_seen_newest') },
+        { value: 'last_seen:asc', label: t('nodes.sort.last_seen_oldest') },
+        { value: 'name:asc', label: t('nodes.sort.name_az') },
+        { value: 'name:desc', label: t('nodes.sort.name_za') },
+        { value: 'public_key:asc', label: t('nodes.sort.key_asc') },
+        { value: 'public_key:desc', label: t('nodes.sort.key_desc') },
+    ],
+})}
+
 <div class="lg:hidden space-y-3">
     ${mobileCards}
 </div>

src/meshcore_hub/web/static/locales/en.json

@@ -105,7 +105,8 @@
         "unnamed": "Unnamed",
         "unnamed_node": "Unnamed Node",
         "validation_invalid_number": "Value must be a valid number",
-        "validation_invalid_boolean": "Value must be true, false, yes, no, 1, or 0"
+        "validation_invalid_boolean": "Value must be true, false, yes, no, 1, or 0",
+        "sort_by": "Sort by"
     },
     "links": {
         "website": "Website",
@@ -162,14 +163,41 @@
         "not_adopted": "This node has not been adopted by any operator.",
         "adopt_success": "Node adopted successfully",
         "release_success": "Node released successfully",
-        "release_confirm": "Are you sure you want to release this node?"
+        "release_confirm": "Are you sure you want to release this node?",
+        "sort": {
+            "last_seen_newest": "Last Seen (newest)",
+            "last_seen_oldest": "Last Seen (oldest)",
+            "name_az": "Name (A\u2013Z)",
+            "name_za": "Name (Z\u2013A)",
+            "key_asc": "Public Key (ascending)",
+            "key_desc": "Public Key (descending)"
+        }
+    },
+    "advertisements": {
+        "sort": {
+            "newest": "Time (newest)",
+            "oldest": "Time (oldest)",
+            "node_az": "Node (A\u2013Z)",
+            "node_za": "Node (Z\u2013A)",
+            "key_asc": "Public Key (ascending)",
+            "key_desc": "Public Key (descending)"
+        }
     },
-    "advertisements": {},
     "messages": {
         "type_direct": "Direct",
         "type_channel": "Channel",
         "type_contact": "Contact",
-        "type_public": "Public"
+        "type_public": "Public",
+        "sort": {
+            "newest": "Time (newest)",
+            "oldest": "Time (oldest)",
+            "type_az": "Type (A\u2013Z)",
+            "type_za": "Type (Z\u2013A)",
+            "from_az": "From (A\u2013Z)",
+            "from_za": "From (Z\u2013A)",
+            "message_az": "Message (A\u2013Z)",
+            "message_za": "Message (Z\u2013A)"
+        }
     },
     "map": {
         "show_labels": "Show Labels",

tests/test_api/test_nodes.py

@@ -469,35 +469,36 @@ class TestNodeTags:
 class TestNodeSort:
     """Tests for node list sort parameters."""
 
-    def test_sort_by_name_default(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
-        """Default sort (no params) returns nodes alpha by display name."""
-        from datetime import datetime, timezone
+    def test_sort_by_last_seen_default(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
+        """Default sort (no params) returns nodes by last_seen descending."""
+        from datetime import datetime, timezone, timedelta
 
         from meshcore_hub.common.models import Node
 
-        node_b = Node(
-            public_key="bb" * 32,
-            name="Bravo",
-            adv_type="CLIENT",
-            first_seen=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
-            last_seen=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
-        )
+        now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
         node_a = Node(
             public_key="aa" * 32,
             name="Alpha",
             adv_type="CLIENT",
-            first_seen=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
-            last_seen=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
+            first_seen=now,
+            last_seen=now,
         )
-        api_db_session.add_all([node_b, node_a])
+        node_b = Node(
+            public_key="bb" * 32,
+            name="Bravo",
+            adv_type="CLIENT",
+            first_seen=now,
+            last_seen=now + timedelta(hours=1),
+        )
+        api_db_session.add_all([node_a, node_b])
         api_db_session.commit()
 
         response = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/nodes")
         assert response.status_code == 200
         items = response.json()["items"]
         assert len(items) == 2
-        assert items[0]["name"] == "Alpha"
-        assert items[1]["name"] == "Bravo"
+        assert items[0]["name"] == "Bravo"
+        assert items[1]["name"] == "Alpha"
 
     def test_sort_by_name_asc(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
         """Explicit sort=name&order=asc."""
@@ -641,30 +642,34 @@ class TestNodeSort:
         assert items[1]["name"] == "Alpha"
 
     def test_sort_invalid_ignored(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
-        """Invalid sort value falls back to default (name alpha)."""
-        from datetime import datetime, timezone
+        """Invalid sort value falls back to default (last_seen desc)."""
+        from datetime import datetime, timezone, timedelta
 
         from meshcore_hub.common.models import Node
 
-        node_b = Node(
-            public_key="bb" * 32,
-            name="Bravo",
-            adv_type="CLIENT",
-            first_seen=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
-        )
+        now = datetime.now(timezone.utc)
         node_a = Node(
             public_key="aa" * 32,
             name="Alpha",
             adv_type="CLIENT",
-            first_seen=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
+            first_seen=now,
+            last_seen=now,
         )
-        api_db_session.add_all([node_b, node_a])
+        node_b = Node(
+            public_key="bb" * 32,
+            name="Bravo",
+            adv_type="CLIENT",
+            first_seen=now,
+            last_seen=now + timedelta(hours=1),
+        )
+        api_db_session.add_all([node_a, node_b])
         api_db_session.commit()
 
         response = client_no_auth.get("/api/v1/nodes?sort=invalid_column")
         assert response.status_code == 200
         items = response.json()["items"]
-        assert items[0]["name"] == "Alpha"
+        assert items[0]["name"] == "Bravo"
+        assert items[1]["name"] == "Alpha"
 
     def test_sort_nodes_with_null_name(self, client_no_auth, api_db_session):
         """Nodes with name=NULL sort by public_key via COALESCE fallback."""