If you are connecting via ethernet, this means you are simply connecting a cable to the laptop for internet connection. If you are connecting wirelessly, you are using the laptop's built in wireless. Regardless, if you are using no 3rd party adapters, you have a Lenovo laptop if I remember correctly, yes?
If so, navigate to Lenovo's drivers & support page for your specific laptop and download and install the latest Atheros network drivers -http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/default.page#
Regards,
Patrick