A distributed modular input/output system includes a primary wireless device adapted to be operatively connected to an associated industrial controller. A secondary wireless device is physically disconnected from the primary wireless device. The secondary wireless device is operatively connected to the primary wireless device by a primary wireless backplane link. At least one input/output module is operatively connected the secondary wireless device. An associated field device can be connected to the at least one input/output module for communication with the associated industrial controller via the secondary wireless device, the primary wireless backplane link, and the primary wireless device. Typically, a plurality of the secondary wireless devices are physically disconnected from the primary wireless device and each includes one or more of the input/output modules operably connected thereto. Each of the secondary wireless devices is operatively connected to the primary wireless device by a respective plurality of primary wireless backplane links.