Akuvox has become one of the most frequently specified IP video intercom brands in European apartment buildings and commercial projects — competing on feature-set (Android OS, face recognition, NFC) at a lower price point than traditional European intercom brands. Unlike Comelit or Fermax with proprietary 2-wire bus systems, Akuvox uses standard SIP over Ethernet, enabling integration with any SIP PBX (Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX) and integration with KNX via REST API or dry-contact relay outputs.

Akuvox product range overview

Akuvox main door station models: R29S (Android 10, 8-inch touch display, 2MP camera, face recognition, NFC RFID, QR code, fingerprint, IP65, IK08 vandal-resistant), E12 (slim flush-mount, 2MP camera, IP54, no touchscreen — more economical), E16C (2-button + display). Indoor monitors: IT83 series (Android, 7-inch, SIP, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), C313 (basic SIP monitor). All Akuvox door stations support SIP over Ethernet (RJ45, PoE or external 12V DC) and have a built-in web configuration interface (browser access via IP address). The Akuvox SmartPlus cloud platform provides mobile app (iOS/Android) for remote door answering and opening via 4G — GDPR-compliant EU data centre option available.

SIP trunk configuration for apartment buildings

For a multi-tenant apartment building: install Asterisk PBX on a local Linux server (Raspberry Pi 4 or dedicated server). Configure Akuvox R29S SIP account: R29S web interface > SIP > Account 1 > Server = Asterisk IP, Extension = 100 (door station), Password. Configure apartment indoor monitors or mobile app SIP extensions (201, 202, etc.). Dial plan in Asterisk: incoming call from extension 100 → ring extension 201–220 (all apartments) simultaneously or per-flat routing. Akuvox R29S physical relay output: configure in R29S web > Door relay > Trigger = DTMF (press # during call) → relay opens door strike (12V DC, 500mA max). For buildings without PBX: Akuvox SmartPlus cloud (no local server needed) → app-based answering → cloud-to-door relay for opening. Monthly cloud subscription cost applies.

REST API for KNX event integration

Akuvox R29S REST API (HTTP, documented in Akuvox developer portal): GET /api/door_status → returns current door relay state and call status. POST /api/open_door → triggers door relay open (equivalent to # press). Webhook: configure in R29S web > Event > Webhook URL = http://home_assistant_ip:8123/api/webhook/akuvox_call → R29S sends POST with event type (call_initiated, call_answered, door_opened) to Home Assistant on each event. Home Assistant KNX integration: on webhook trigger "call_initiated" → KNX service: send GA 12/0/0 (Door Call, DPT 1.001, value 1) → entrance lighting GA 5/2/1 sends value 1 (10 second timer). On "door_opened" → GA 12/0/1 → HVAC occupancy trigger. This REST webhook approach gives richer event data than dry-contact relay (event type, timestamp, door identity).

Relay output to KNX binary input wiring

For simpler projects without Home Assistant: Akuvox R29S relay output (NO/COM terminals on rear, 12V DC 500mA max) → KNX binary input module (MDT SCN-BI4UP.01 or ABB binary input). Wiring: R29S relay NO → KNX binary input IN1, R29S relay COM → KNX binary input GND. Configure R29S relay trigger in web interface: Trigger = Call Ring (relay activates when door button pressed), Duration = 5 seconds. ETS6: binary input IN1 → DPT 1.001 → GA 12/0/0 (Door Call). Limitation vs. REST API: only one trigger type per relay output (call or open, not both). For multiple event types (call + door open): use two relay outputs → two binary inputs → two GAs. Alternatively, use REST webhook for richer data.

ONVIF camera integration for video verification

Akuvox R29S 2MP camera supports ONVIF Profile S — integrates with any ONVIF-compatible NVR (Milestone XProtect, Uniview NVR308, Hikvision DS-7608NI-I2). Configuration: NVR > Add camera > ONVIF > R29S IP, ONVIF username/password (set in R29S web > ONVIF). KNX-triggered recording: KNX binary output relay → NVR alarm input → on door call (GA 12/0/0 = 1), NVR starts recording at entrance. Axis cameras: if replacing Akuvox camera with Axis P3245-V (same position) for higher quality — Axis VAPIX API event (motion in zone) → KNX trigger (same logic applies). Akuvox ONVIF camera can be added to VMS live view — security officer sees door call video alongside access control events.

Face recognition commissioning

Akuvox R29S face recognition (Android ML model, no cloud): enroll faces in Akuvox SmartPlus app → sync to R29S. Recognition on arrival → door auto-opens without pressing button (configurable: face recognition + confirmation press, or face alone). Commissioning: SmartPlus admin account > Residents > Upload face photo (JPEG, >200×200px, good lighting). R29S parameters: recognition confidence threshold 80–95% (higher = stricter). Test: stand in front of R29S, confirm recognition within 1–2 seconds on good lighting. KNX integration: face recognition success → R29S relay opens door → no KNX event (the KNX relay-to-binary-input path only works for button press, not face recognition). For face recognition → KNX event: use REST API webhook (R29S sends "door_opened" webhook on any door open, including face recognition).