Port Forwarding Help Needed for Node

Hello Pioneers, I have set up all the software for the node and got up to the port forwarding.

I logged into my Wi-Fi using the gateway address, set up port forwarding for 31400 - 31409, opened the ports on my computer's firewall, rebooted my router via the gateway, restarted my computer, then repeated these steps about 5 times with no success.

Is there some major step I'm missing? Or is there a trick anyone knows to make it work? Also, is port forwarding even required?? It says "Highly recommended", but does anything happen if I run the node without it?

I'm using a Telus Wi-Fi Hub.

I appreciate any help!