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[WimpMiester]

Now that my DGL-4500 is getting old I'm looking forward to a new gaming router.  Especially since nothing else really has been able to replace the DGL-4500.  But one problem I have with all the new D-Link routers is the lack of being able to connect an external outdoor antenna.  It's something I've always thought about doing with my 4500 but could never justify the cost when I've had little use for wireless until now.  Now I have some wireless devices and was thinking of putting an outdoor antenna in the attic to get good coverage indoors.  This would be the best solution then trying to reposition the router or adding an access point somewhere that cost more and covers less.  But unfortunately none of the new D-Link routers have external antenna connections.  And even though they say the new devices have better range it still won't be very good.  They may cover 10 more feet in reality. I hope someone here can tell D-Link to add and external antenna connection to the DGL-5500 making it the best all around solution available.

[FurryNutz]

Unfortunately with how the antenna system is designed and works on the DIR-645 class designed routers, all the antenna systems are built in for ease of use and design. I think the way of the external antenna will be limited to those routers that D-Link has already or by some way, the use of external antennas are going the way of the Floppy disks. 

Ya it would be more flexible to have the ability to use external antennae however I presume one factor in all this is that the low use need of externals for the average home user perspective. Another factor could be that it has to complete with range extending products like Wireless DAPs or Power Line products too.
 
I noticed Apply and NG have hopped on the internal antenna router band wagon as well. 

Last current live external supporting routers are the DIR-615, 655, 825, and 835.

Future routers may have external antennas for some models. 

[Doctor Doom]

Go with access points either via RJ-45 or powerline. MUCH better than external high gain antennas with less finicky results. You have to remember that wireless is a two way street. You can have 18 dBi antennas blasting over a mile but the laptop won't be able to send the data back.

[kargo27]

Go with access points either via RJ-45 or powerline. MUCH better than external high gain antennas with less finicky results. You have to remember that wireless is a two way street. You can have 18 dBi antennas blasting over a mile but the laptop won't be able to send the data back.

That's a great point.