SIP Intercom Setup Guide for BioStation 3

With BioStar Air v2.10 and later, the BioStation 3 (BS3) can function as a SIP intercom. This allows calls from the device to be received in the BioStar Air Portal, the BioStar Air Mobile App, or through an external SIP service or device. This guide explains how to set up SIP correctly and avoid common mistakes that can cause confusion.


Important: A SIP server is required. Suprema does not provide SIP service. You must set up or subscribe to one separately.


Understanding SIP Transport Options

SIP transport determines how SIP call data is sent and received. In BioStar Air, transport settings appear in two places—device settings and user settings—and each has a different role.


Device Transport Settings (BioStation 3)

Found under Device Management → Registered Devices → [Click on Device] → Intercom. This defines how the device itself registers with the SIP server:

  • UDP – Most common, lightweight, and widely supported.
  • TCP – More reliable than UDP, ensures packet delivery.
  • TLS (SSL) – Encrypts SIP signaling, use if your provider requires secure connections.


Tip: Most deployments use UDP unless your SIP provider requires TCP or TLS.


User Transport Settings (Portal or App)

Found under Account (circle in upper-right corner of portal) → Settings → Intercom. This defines how administrators register with the SIP server to receive calls:

  • WSS – Required for calls in the web portal (browsers only support WebSocket Secure).
  • UDP, TCP, TLS – Used by the mobile app. Choose the one supported by your SIP provider (UDP is most common).


Rule of thumb:

  • If a user will answer calls in the Portal (Web), select WSS.
  • If a user will answer calls in the Mobile App, select UDP (or TCP/TLS if required by your provider).


Note: A single user cannot be configured for both web and app simultaneously. There is no “next in line” call forwarding if a call is missed.


How SIP Accounts Work

Both the device and each user need their own SIP account (extension) on the SIP server. Each account requires a unique username and password.

  • Device account: The BioStation 3 must be registered as its own SIP extension.
  • User accounts: Each administrator must also have their own SIP extension.


Do not try to share one SIP account between the device and users. This will cause the device to “call itself” and fail. Sharing accounts across multiple users is not supported and creates security risks, such as administrators being able to intercept each other’s calls by reusing an extension number.


Ways to Receive Calls

If your organization is new to SIP and does not already have a SIP phone system, you still have options:

  • BioStar Air Portal – Calls appear in the browser using the built-in SIP receiver.
  • BioStar Air Mobile App – Calls appear directly on your smartphone.
  • Third-party SIP apps – Many SIP services (e.g. Linphone) provide apps that can be used instead of BioStar Air.
  • Physical SIP phones – Standard SIP desk phones can also receive calls from the BioStation 3.


Step-by-Step Setup

1. Configure the Device (BS3)

  1. In the BioStar Air Portal, go to Device Management and select your BioStation 3.
  2. Enable Use Intercom.
  3. Enter the device’s unique SIP account information:
    • SIP Server Address
    • SIP Server Port (default: 5060)
    • SIP Username and Password
  4. Select the correct SIP Transport (UDP/TCP/TLS).



2. Configure Each User

  1. In the BioStar Air Portal or Mobile App, go to Account Settings → Intercom.
  2. Enter the user’s unique SIP account details (not the same as the device).
  3. Select the correct SIP Transport:
    • WSS for Portal (Web)
    • UDP/TCP/TLS for Mobile App
  4. Save the settings. The user can now receive calls from the BioStation 3.



Additional Notes

  • Channel Limit: SIP Intercom supports up to 126 channels.
  • Static IP required: A static IP address is needed for SIP Intercom. It does not work on typical 4G modems unless a static IP SIM is used (still under field testing).
  • Tested providers: MOCA has tested Linphone and FreePBX (formerly Asterisk). Other providers may work but have not been verified.


Quick Decision Guide

Device (BS3): Use UDP unless your provider requires TCP or TLS.
User (Portal): Must use WSS.
User (Mobile App): Use UDP (or TCP/TLS if required by your provider).