not active (in most cases, localhost should be available, even if the rest of
  the network is not). Therefore, let's concentrate on the state where no
  network <beyond localhost> exists, and leave the more extreme state to users
  to diagnose and correct as necessary.

* Why is Offline Mode Important?

  Offline mode is essential for breaking the requirement that m2 operate in a

        this.treeRoot = root;
    }
    // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    public MetadataTreeNode getTree() {
        return treeRoot;
    }
    // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    public void setTree(MetadataTreeNode root) {
        this.treeRoot = root;
    }