* @return active tree handle
     * @throws CIFSException if connection fails
     *
     */
    synchronized SmbTreeHandleImpl ensureTreeConnected() throws CIFSException {
        // Optimization: Check connection validity more efficiently
        if (this.treeHandle != null && this.treeHandle.isConnected()) {
            // Connection is still valid - reuse it
            return this.treeHandle.acquire();
        }