This is something I need to get up to speed on myself. Here are a few resources that may be helpful:

• Tutorial from Epiphan, a hardware encoder maker. Covers the basics (hardware encoded or not). https://www.epiphan.com/blog/how-to-live-stream-for-beginners/
• Something similar from Restream: https://restream.io/blog/streaming-setup-what-do-you-need-to-stream-live-video/
• Geek-o-rama: https://computer.howstuffworks.com/internet/basics/streaming-video-and-audio.htm
• Another basic one: https://www.boxcast.com/blog/how-to-start-live-streaming