A cloud radio access network (C-RAN) includes a plurality of remote units (RUs), each with a wireless transceiver to exchange RF signals with at least one UE. The C-RAN also includes a central controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of RUs via a fronthaul comprising one or more ETHERNET switches. The central controller is communicatively coupled to an activation server via a backhaul network. The central controller also includes at least one processor configured to, following initial power up, establish a connection to the activation server indicated by activation server information pre-configured on the central controller. The at least one processor is also configured to receive a commissioning package, which includes commissioning information, from the activation server. The at least one processor is also configured to configure the central controller based on the commissioning information.