Usually laptops have built in connection chips to pick up any close by Internet connection that might be around the area. If your router is password protected then all you need to do is put the same passcode in your laptop and it will grant you access.
It really depends on what router you have...like I have Netgear. A lot with the router I got I had to upload a software that was with the router, upload it, and enter your protective password, and you have connection.so whatever software came with your purchased router you must put in your laptop