there are quit a bit of satellite image you can check, I am not specialist in this to answer your question. (like are they consider connected or in the same “group” of origin? ) But half the planet is likely not possible because of how they are effected by the Earth spinning and drag + advection. ie. it means if you want to cover half the planet, you can only cover either northern or southern hemisphere. The cloud formed on equator area will be spread into 2 direction and then torn apart.
It’s the end point modem+router. It’s like saying removing the landline phone from people’s house without destroy the exchange boxes would cripple communication. It’s not cause they are easily replaced.