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We propose a highly efficient spatiotemporal vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) model aimed at optimizing entire optical links. It is based on two-dimensional (2-D) rate equations, which allow the computation of dynamic gain competition resulting from inhomogeneous field and carrier spatial distributions in the cavity. The equations are mathematically transformed so as to remove any explicit spatial dependency from their formulation. This modified model reduces the computational time by several orders of magnitude. Resulting 2-D dynamic intensity profiles allow investigating effects related to improper fiber coupling due to transverse misalignment between laser beam and fiber. Self-consistent implementations of feedback and chirping, thermal effects, and noise are presented as well. A variety of advanced simulations showing results consistent with theory and experiments confirm the validity of the model.