most likely daughter has a dsl modem with a router {wired} and the line is plugged into the router and connected to the mothers pc.
probably a LAN cable - LAN = local area network

I haven't checked in ages but I think routers can be wired only, wireless plus wires, and wireless only. Ours is wireless with wire connections available.


The mothers computer would have to have a wireless receiver card inside for it to get a wireless signal - with windows 98 connecting / finding a compatible card would be tricky.
And the daughter would have to have a wireless router.

In a city /apartment setting the wired/cabled connections are more secure , no worry about others nearby picking up any wireless signal or or info.

If people read about it and set up good security for their wireless router then all should be fine.