Not only can they be separate, they should be separate. Think of where you want to place your router ? (Usually in your server closet or close to where the fib

Not only can they be separate, they should be separate. Think of where you want to place your router ? (Usually in your server closet or close to where the fiber enters your house) Now think of where you want your access-point to be. Preferably somewhere central in your house, where it will give you the best coverage. So the best place to put an AP is usually a shitty place to put a router and vice-versa. They have no business being in the same box.