I realize it’s been almost 2 months since you last posted this. I don’t see that anyone answered you, and I just became a member recently, so I thought I would answer your question for the sake of future people in your situation.
What you need is a WiFi router/switch. Your current router may be wireless, since you have a laptop, but you didn’t explicitly state how your laptop connects to the internet.
There are probably more than 2 ways go connect the WDtvHub to your wireless laptop, but I will focus on the easiest way.
Like I stated earlier, you will need a wireless access device somewhere on your network. For my setup, my netgear router is already wireless. (as well as wired)
Step 1: Connect your Hub with a cable to your WiFi device [router/switch].
Step 2: Connect your WiFi device* to your internet device [router]. (in my case 1 & 2 are the same)
Step 3: Use your laptop’s wifi to connect to the WiFi device / Router. (you should now be able to surf the net)
Step 4: On your laptop, open your File Explorer. (Win + E) and on the left pane select your network.
Step 5: You should “see” the Hub listed on the right pane. (Might take several seconds to find all devices)
Step 6: Once you see it, open it and navigate to the folder/file you want to play.
Step 7: Play it on your laptop. Enjoy. No need to copy file to your laptop first.*
* Make sure the WiFI device supports 10/100/1000 base T (aka “Gigabit”)
In this set up, your Hub has full access to the Internet and (of course) your home network.
In my home network I have the following wired to my wifi router:
2 desktops (win 7x64 HP)
1 WDTV Hub
1 ReadyNAS Duo
And then I also have two laptops, and an Android phone connected wirelessly.
I hope that helps someone in the future.
~Dave