With the continuous development of renewable energy technologies, both domestically and internationally, the focus of energy research has gradually shifted towards renewable energy directions such as distributed photovoltaics and wind power. The penetration rate of renewable energy generation is constantly increasing, at the same time, the elements in the grid are becoming increasingly complex, and large-scale energy storage, as well as a variety of electricity loads such as electric vehicle charging piles and data centers are gradually appearing. Therefore, traditional distribution methods of the power grid are difficult to ensure the stable operation of the power system and cannot achieve efficient integration of renewable energy. Consequently, some scholars have proposed the concept of an energy internet. Compared to traditional power grids, the energy internet employs more comprehensive power electronics and communication technologies, enabling the interconnection of various new and traditional energy sources, and effectively integrating renewable energy. As the core device in the energy internet, the energy router plays a role in energy transformation and distribution, facilitating multi-information interconnection and multi-energy exchange within the energy internet. At the level of distribution network, the energy router can realize the efficient access of various forms of energy and the flexible control and management, which is of great significance for the optimal operation of distribution network. Against this backdrop, this paper reviews the development and current research status of energy routers, systematically analyzes the typical topologies and related control technologies of multi-port energy routers and summarizes and forecasts key issues and future development trends, aiming to provide thoughts and reference for subsequent related research.