The Suez Canal is 101 miles long, connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. It was a vital route for Britain, allowing shipping to go the shorter route from India and other Asian and African parts of Empire. The canal connects a number of lakes, and is wide, nearly 150 feet. On the western bank runs the so-called Sweet Water Canal, with main controls at Ismailia, the only large-scale source of drinking water for the area. Main defences were created on the west bank, with outposts on the east bank. Supply to the troops was by railway running from Ismailia to Cairo.