Wireless issues (?)

Basically I think whatever problems my laptop has has to do with how it holds a wireless connection.

I've tried googling and whatnot but my question is:
How does wireless "work" in a laptop? I like to pretend I know what I'm doing but I really have no clue.
Is there like a wireless card and drivers and whatever? How would I go about troubleshooting them?

And here's the problem just in case anyone has an immediate solution:
My wireless connection doesn't drop (still shows all bars/connected) but I lose internet access. Web pages don't load, maple freezes, etc. it happens sporadically without warning (it's happened before when I leave my laptop on overnight uploading to YouTube).
I also think other lag issues have to do with this same issue. I believe it's my wireless card because when I disconnect/reconnect to the signal it's fine for a minute or two before I start lagging again/lose internet. I've tried hard wiring it but I still experience some lag, but I have yet to lose internet entirely that way

Thanks in advance.