The passage discusses the promising advances in quantum communication, emphasizing its potential to significantly improve the security of data transmission through quantum encryption.
However, it highlights several technical challenges that must be addressed before these benefits can be fully realized. One major hurdle is maintaining quantum coherence over long distances, which is critical because quantum states are fragile and can easily be disrupted, compromising secure communication.
Another challenge mentioned is the development of scalable quantum networks — networks that can expand and function effectively at large scales. Additionally, integrating quantum communication technology with the existing infrastructure presents further difficulties.
Analyzing the answer choices:
- (A) is incorrect because the passage clearly states that quantum communication has potential benefits.
- (B) accurately identifies one of the key technical hurdles mentioned: maintaining quantum coherence over long distances.
- (C) is incorrect since the passage describes integration as an additional challenge, implying it is not easy.
- (D) partially captures another challenge but states "absence," which is misleading; the passage says developing scalable networks is a challenge, not that they do not exist at all.
Therefore, the best answer that directly reflects a technical hurdle described in the passage is option B.