There are typically 3 types of networks - LAN, WLAN, and WAN. LAN is Local Area Network. It a group of computers that are connected locally, usually as in a corporate setting, school setting, or small home LAN. They are usually connected by physical means to a central location (such as a server/router/hub/repeater etc). The DHCP server will usually assign a LAN address to each computer connected, while holding one external IP address. This means that while it may look like there is only 1 IP address, there could be 3,4, or even a hundred other computers using that one IP address. LAN IP addresses are usually in the form of 192.168.x.x, while a External IP address will be 12.28.223.31 or something else. WLAN is a Wireless Local Area Network. A WLAN client can still be part of a LAN (Such as a wireless router which handles both wireless and wired clients).WLANS are great in corporate envirments or as public locations (i.e internet hotspots such as Starbucks, Kinko's or at the Library). The WLAN DHCP will also assign a LAN Address. WANs are Wide Area Networks. This is basically the internet -- when one LAN makes a request to a website the address will be translated to the external IP address -- and by the power of routers, the packet will go to the host IP address - - be filtered to the appropiate desination LAN IP, and the connection will be made. There are also ways for a WAN to become part of a LAN. A VPN connection is made to create a virtual 'tunnel' between the remote computer, and the remote LAN. This way, the computer than may not even be part of the same workgroup can access those resources. eg. an employee uses VPN to use their home internet to connect to their corporate work environment...they are able to do everything they would be able to do internally -- print to specific printers - view intranet sites, etc. I hope this helps.

if i have a wifi laptop and am able to be connected to an unsecured network do i need a wireless router to boost the signal

Actually, the 3 types of network are: WAN (wide area network) LAN (local area network) VAN (value added network) The WLAN is just a sub-network of LAN, as it is a wireless local area network...

channel network