This article provides a detailed discussion of wireless resource and channel allocation schemes. The authors provide a survey of a large number of published papers in the area of fixed, dynamic, and hybrid allocation schemes and compare their trade-offs in terms of complexity and performance. We also investigate these channel allocation schemes based on other factors such as distributed/centralized control and adaptability to traffic conditions. Moreover, we provide a detailed discussion on reuse partitioning schemes, the effect of handoffs, and prioritization schemes. Finally, we discuss other important issues in resource allocation such as overlay cells, frequency planning, and power control.