I will start by introducing a scheme for quantum communication using an unmodulated and unmeasured spin chain. It presents an alternative to converting between static and flying qubits in order to connect up distinct quantum processors. I present some approaches to accomplish perfect quantum communication through a spin chain despite the dispersion of quantum information in the chain. I also discuss the accomplishment of gates between distant spins thorough a spin chain. Apart from transfer, a chain can also be used to simultaneously generate and distribute a maximally entangled state between distant sites, as I illustrate through a chain of coupled qutrits.