Various communication systems may benefit from an improved signaling protocol. For example, machine-to-machine communications in a network may benefit from improved signaling and security. A method includes establishing a secure data transmission path for an application. The secure data transmission path is used to transmit data between a user equipment and a network element. The network entity includes a gateway or an application server. The method also includes transmitting data for the application over the secure data transmission path using a pre-configured radio bearer. The radio bearer is pre-configured for data transmission between the user equipment and an access node located between the user equipment and the network element. In addition, the method includes receiving a response message at the user equipment from the network element through the secure data transmission path.