Method and device for distribution computing system

In a distributed computer system having multiple root nodes, a challenge protocol is provided, for use in confirming the root node in which a PCI Configuration Manager (PCM) actually resides. This node is referred to as the master node. In a useful embodiment, a method is directed to a distributed computer system of the above type which is further provided with PCI switches and with adapters that are available for sharing by different nodes. The method includes the steps of selecting a first one of the root nodes to be master root node, and operating the first root node to query the configuration space of a particular one of the PCI switches. The method further includes detecting information indicating that a second root node is considered to be the master root node for the particular switch. A challenge protocol is implemented in response to this detected information, to seek confirmation that the first root node is the master root node. The configuration space querying procedure is continued if the first root node is confirmed to be the master root node, and is otherwise aborted.