parabolic antenna

Hi, i want to build a DIY parabolic antenna. May I know what is the difference between mesh dish and smooth dish? Is the dimension of the parabolic essential, any relationship with the frequency? I heard a large dish is good. My antenna has to work with 2.45GHz.

You probably need a lecture on reflector antenna to cover all the questions. To my best of knowledge:

1)Mesh generally have higher sidelobes then smooth. But mesh are lighter and less wind loading.

2) Dimension (focal distance, aperature area) determines the overall gain, feed horn requirement and ... ...

3) Large dish == high gain (if design properly)