I'm not sure about the network key, which my understanding deals with the encryption standard (Windows guys--any ideas?). I think, from a networking debugging aspect, it is best to start with no encryption or keys and see if that works. If it does, then consider adding that. As always, start simple and add features as you go. If the problem is at the core (ISP) the fewer features you have turned on the easier it is to rule them out.
I think whatever you type in as the key gets encrypted into something, so I'm not sure if just '1' is enough (probably).
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/more...lesssetup.mspx
As for the centrino being loose, don't think that is the issue. I was more concerned with an aftermarket wireless card being added.