The main objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of soft open point (SOP), an emerging power electronics technology to maximize future distribution networks' (DNs) resiliency and flexibility as well as increase hosting capacity for distributed energy resources like photovoltaics and electric vehicles. The SOP is currently an active area of research and ongoing development of new control techniques for SOP and optimization algorithm for the optimal use of SOP in DNs produces new techniques until DN operators use it comprehensively in their systems. The motivation for this work is to present the research that has been completed for the SOP and summarize the duties of SOP in DNs according to the literature and propose advanced duties for SOP according to modern standards. Finally, future research directions are mentioned to pave the way for research in the coming years to drive the DNs towards more flexibility and 'Robust' from controllability, stability, and protection structure point of view. INDEX TERMS Distribution networks, grid-connected converters, power electronics, soft open point, normally open points.

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The integration of power electronics-based generation has increased in the medium voltage (MV) level of the distribution networks, nowadays. It is obvious that the contribution level of this type of source is providing a limited fault current level according to the thermal and fault ride-through capability of power electronic converters. Therefore, the fault current level in the grid-connected and islanded mode of the microgrid is different and the protection scheme is required to be reviewed. In this regard, converters' responses contribute to the stability of the microgrid in the case of abnormal conditions. This paper has investigated the effect of power electronic converters and their controllers in future microgrids with the high penetration level of power electronic-based generation. A distribution management system has been designed to address the issues and challenges of faulty conditions and a voltage ridethrough technique has been proposed. The simulation results of an MV distribution network demonstrate the fault current level of the future microgrid in abnormal conditions. The proper protection strategy is designed to detect any type of short circuit fault current as well as avoidance of damage to the integrated PEC-based generations.