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Laptops thirst for communications! Therefore, they must come with an internal modem plus networking abilities, either wire-based Ethernet, or wireless networking, or often both.
Most laptops are adorned with infrared communications ports, which allow for communications with other infrared devices. Or I suppose the infrared ports exist so that you can use your laptop to change channels on the hotel room TV.

• Ethernet is provided on a laptop via internal circuitry and an RJ-45 port (or hole) on the laptop’s case. If the laptop doesn’t have this circuitry built in, then you can add it via a PC Card.
• Wireless networking is done via the 802.11 standard. The most popular version of this standard is 802.11g, though some older systems use 802.11b. (Some wireless laptops use both systems, 802.11g and 802.11b.)
• Yes, the 802.11h and 802.11i standard will most likely be available soon. Don’t worry about them. A good gauge of which wireless standard to get is to look at what’s available in the store. According to Fred at Office Max, it’s 802.11g.
• Whoa! I just saw the 802.11n standard fly by!
• If the laptop doesn’t come with wireless networking built in, it can be added via a PC Card. I recommend getting a card with an external, directional antenna.
• Avoid the temptation to fondle the external antenna.
• If the laptop lacks a modem, then you can also add a modem via a PC Card.
• No, sadly you cannot use your laptop to change channels on the hotel room TV. I have this information on authority from many who’ve tried.